From a force of 18,000 in infantry battalions and supporting units at the end of World War II in 1945, the strength of the Nigerian Army rose to around 126,000 in three divisions by the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. In terms of doctrine, the task of the Federal Nigerian army has not changed; its task remain to close with and defeat an organised enemy.
The Nigerian Army uses a flag that has three vertical stripes (red, black and red). On it is tge emblem of an eagle, a six-pointed star and the Arabic text. HistoryVille takes a look at the symbols and their meanings. The flag is flown at the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja.
THE EAGLE: It represents the graceful power of the Nigerian Army. Just like an eagle, the Nigerian Army maintains keen surveillance of the country during times of peace and in preparedness for an impending war.
THE STAR: The two interlaced triangle-like six-pointed star is the first symbol of Nigerian unity and was first struck by Governor-General Lord Lugard in 1914, the year of Nigeria's amalgamation, to show how the Northern and Southern Protectorates were brought together to form an indivisible nation. Therefore, the Nigerian Army must maintain the nation's unity at all times.
THE ARABIC TEXT: The Arabic text on the Nigerian Army logo is, NASRUNMINALLAH which means "VICTORY COMES FROM GOD ALONE".
The motto was formerly that of the great jihadist, Usman Dan Fodio, head of the Sokoto Caliphate which was inscribed by the British under Lord Lugard.
THE RED COLOUR: This colour portrays the enemy forces, their installations and their activities.
THE BLACK COLOUR: Black depicts the cavalry, armoured or mechanized troops.
Comments
Post a Comment