UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI CENTRE FOR DISTANCE LEARNING HIS 407: Military History of Nigeria 1863-1960 (2 Units) Course Facilitator: Abubakar Mohammed
STUDY GUIDE Course Code/ Title: HIS 407: Military History of Nigeria 1863-1960 Credit Units: 2 Timing: 26hrs Total hours of Study per each course material should be twenty Six hours (26hrs) at two hours per week within a given semester. You should plan your time table for study on the basis of two hours per course throughout the week. This will apply to all course materials you have. This implies that each course material will be studied for two hours in a week. Similarly, each study session should be timed at one hour including all the activities under it. Do not rush on your time, utilize them adequately. All activities should be timed from five minutes (5minutes) to ten minutes (10minutes). Observe the time you spent for each activity, whether you may need to add or subtract more minutes for the activity. You should also take note of your speed of completing an activity for the purpose of adjustment. Meanwhile, you should observe the one hour allocated to a study session. Find out whether this time is adequate or not. You may need to add or subtract some minutes depending on your speed.
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Title page His. 407 Military history of Nigeria 1863-1960 units: Two By Dr. Abubakar Mohammed
1.1 General introduction This is concerned with the study of the military history of Nigeria from 1863-1960. This record falls within colonial period falls within colonial period, whereby the Nigeria military served under the west African frontier forces and undertook various wars such as world war I and world war II in addition to peace keeping missions within and without Africa. However, before Nigeria attains independence status in 1960, the Nigeria requirement which formed part of the Royal west African frontier force was renamed the Nigeria army in was renamed the Nigeria army in 1958, two years before independence, thus ushering in the nigerianisation of the Nigerian Army. 1.2 Objective of the Study The objective of the study is to; 1.2.1 discuss the emergence of colonial area before 1914 1.2.2 examine the nature of military recruitment in Nigeria during colonial period and the British conquest of northern and southern Nigeria. 1.2.3 Assess the Nigeria military in first and second world wars and its impact on the Nigerian regiment of the west African frontier force. 1.2.4 Analyse post Second World War military development in Nigeria
Table of content STUDY SESSIONS: 1. The emergence of colonial constabularies in the Nigerian area before 1914.. 2. The nature of military recruitment in Nigeria during colonial period 3. The British conquest of southern and northern Nigeria 4. The Nigeria military in the first and second world wars.. 5. Post-second world war military development in Nigeria.
STUDY SEESION ONE (1) TOPIC: THE EMERGENCE OF COLONIAL CONSTABULARIES IN NIGERIA BEFORE 1914. Introduction: This course is concerned with the study of the military history of Nigeria from 1863 to 1960. It deals with the military formation and the various wars undertaken by the Nigerians during colonial period. The post Second World War military development in Nigeria also an issue that is dealt with in this study. 1.1 Learning outcome. At the end of the course, students should be able to discuss the emergence of colonial constabularies in Nigeria before 1914. They should also identify the nature of recruitment of the colonial military force as well as discuss the two world wars and their impact on the Nigerian requirement of the west-african frontier force (WAFF). Lastly, the students are expected to explain military development in the post-second world war Nigeria. 1.2 In text Topic 1: The emergence of colonial constabularies in the Nigerian area glories The British government, in 1865, recognized the glories Hausas as a regular force and it was later known as Lagos constabulary charged with both military and police duties. It retained this name until its incorporation into the west African frontier force (WAFF) as Lagos bathalon in 1901. Some of the military engagements of this force included participation in Ashanti campaign of 1873-4. Again in 1900, these troops were sent to Ashanti for another
campaign. In the same years, Lugard was asked to supply a large contingent for the expedition. There were to hundred and fifty (250) participants from Lagos constabulary which later increased to ninety eight. Similarly, it was discoursed that the Royal Niger Company Constabulary was handling the Illorin trading affairs. Yet another contingent of the constabulary was dispatched to contain the French incursion into the area of authority of Lagos government. Apart from Lagos constabulary, these were royal Niger constabulary were later amalgamated by the British colonial government in 1914. As trading activities became intensified, the need to establish a force became apparent. Thus sir George Taubman Goldie established the Royal Niger constabulary. Goldie own military training and his theories about Africans as soldiers played on small part in establishing this force. It was later to be model for the constabulary which McDonald organized in the Niger cost protectorate. Royal Niger constabulary was thus the prototype of Nigerians armed forces the uniform which the Nigerian regiment wore was practically the same as that worn by the Royal Niger company constabulary. The force initially consisted of force British and two African forces and four hundred four men they include; Frantis, Hausas and the rest were Yorubas. However,the founder of the Niger coast protectorate Constabulary was one majority Claude M McDonald who was appointed to investigate causes of constant problems between Liverpool traders and Brass-men on the other hand and the Royal Niger company on the other. Following his report in 1890, he was appointed commissioner and consul General area the oil rivers which later became Niger coast protectorate. In 1891 he began to plan for a constabulary modeled in that of the Royal Niger company, a desire to raise a purely military force. However, it was
later raised as constabulary the protection of the area required raising of a force that became known as the oil rivers irregulars which was nick named forty thieves. It was in 1891 renamed the Niger coast constabulary with headquarters at Calabar. By 1893 the protectorate was extended into the hinterland. The strength of the force employed was sixteen officers and four hundred and fifty men, ninth percent of who were Yorubas. They were praised for their excellent behavior. Compared to British soldier, they gave less troubles as free as drink was concerned. The force took part in several small expeditions in Opobo, qua Iboe, Cross and Calabar Rivers. The expenditure was always undertaken for the suppression of threatened outbreaks of human sacrifices or intertribal wars. The presence of a single company of the force was sufficient to make the chief and people entirely change their minds on the subject of human sacrifice and the killing of twins the same was applied to Qua Iboe whereby no single short was fired. The company consisted of one officer and twenty men who took the expedition and was quite sufficient to quieted the district. However, the Niger coast constabulary took these major expeditions. These operations were against the Brass chiefs, chief Nana of Ebrohimi, in 1894 and the king of Benin in 1897. In all the expeditions the protectorate troops were supported by the navy.
1.2.1- in-text Question; Discuss the major factors that led to the establishment of Niger coast constabulary. 1.2.2 In-text Answer The founder of the Niger coast constabulary was one major Claude McDonald was appointed to investigate causes of constant problems between Liverpool traders and brass-men on the hand and royal Niger company on the other. Following his report in 1890, he was appointed commissioner and consul- General over the oil rivers which later became Niger coast protectorate. In 1891, he began to plan for a constabulary modeled on that of the Royal Niger company. A desire to raise a purely military force. However, it was later raised as constabulary. The protection of the area required raising of a force that became known as the oil rivers irregulars which was nicknamed forty thieves. It was in 1891 renamed the niger coast constabulary with headquarters at Calabar. By 1893, the protectorate was extended into the hinterland. Therefore, the major factors for the establishment of Niger Coast Constabulary was the desire to raise military for the protection of colonial trade and the abolishment of slave trade as well killing of twins among other factors. 1.3 Activity: Activity timing: Time allowed 5 minutes Activity text; Meet a colleague and discuss the strength of the Niger coast constabulary. 1.4 summary:
The British Government, in 1865 recognized Lagos constabulary charged with both military and police duties. It retained the named until its incorporation into west African frontier force (WAFF) as Lagos Battal ion in 1901. Similarly, it was disclosed that the Royal Niger Company Constabulary was handling the Illorin trading affairs. As trading activities became intensified, the used to establish a force became clear. Thus Sir George Tauman Goldie established Royal Niger company constabulary which was later become the model for the constabulary which MC Donald organized in the Niger coast protectorate. Royal Niger constabulary was the prototype of Nigerians armed forces. The uniform which the Nigerian requirement was practically the same as that worn by the Royal Niger company constabulary. 1.5 Self-Assessment Question: Examine the activities of royal Niger constabulary in northern Nigeria 1.6 Reference: Dule, SM, (ed), (1994), History of the Nigerian Army. Headquarters, Nigeria Army Abuja, Niger. 1.7 Suggested reading: - BlackWell, HF, The Occupation of Hausa Land; 1900-1904 lagos. - Braithwaite, WC (1905), West African Warfare. - Flint, JE, (1960),Sir George Goldie and the making of Nigeria; London.
STUDY SESSION TWO (2) THE NATURE OF MILITARY RECRUITMENT IN NIGERIA DURING COLONIAL PERIOD. Introduction The nature of military recruitment into the Nigerian regiment had almost entirely been from Hausa and Yoruba.At the outbreak of the world war I, threefifths of the regiment was still composed of Hausa-1300; Yoeuba-1156;Kanuri- 380; Fulani-351; Nupe-91; Igbo-21; and representatives of twenty-two other tribes and unclassifiedgroups-400 2.1 learning Outcome At the end of the course, the student should be able to identify the process of colonial recruitment in Nigeria and some of the criteria involved. 1.2 In-text Topic 2: The nature of military recruitment in Nigeria during the colonial period. Various explanations had been offered on the nature of the increasing difficulties experienced in recruiting Hausa and Yoruba. The colonial government was interested in recruiting from Non Islamic groups such as the Tiv and the Dan Karekare who easily acquired Hausa, the language of command. It was hoped that the non-muslims were not likely to support Islamic revolts. Another explanations was that recruitment among the non-muslims hill tribes of Nigeria had not taken
off properly because of their backward state of civilization which militated against theory enlistment to a great extent. However, severe reasons pointed to the directions why recruitment were not forth-coming. These include, a deliberate official policy to restrict recruitment in Nigeria to the Hausa, to the exclusion of other tribes. This was in addition to the language problems with or without sufficient inter refer for those interior tribes. Language barrier could slow the nature of the training process of the new recruits in this regard. Thus, as a part of the recruitment policy, officers were directed to learn Hausa language and their competence in the language was rewarded after they had passed prescribed tests. This policy helped to pursue, the supply of potential recruits. Another government policy that made recruitment difficult was poor pay for Nigerian in the police, marine, and the mines who earned more. Related to pay problems was the fact that soldiers on discharge were not paid any gratuity. Such a poor condition for ex-service men had a serious demoralizing effect on potential recruits who would not see sense in being recuits other reasons for security of recruits include dislike of food other than the ones they were accustomed, the fear of the sea and crossing of water. Yet others dislike long separation from their wives. Therefore, the colonial government resolved to introduce conscription (compulsory recruitment) as was being done in the French territories across the Nigerian borders. Similarly, the nature of the recruitment involved the support of civil authorities such as residents, emirs and chiefs had to be resorted to in obtaining who were being hurriedly trained at training deports across the country.
2.1.1 In-text Question Assess the colonial military recruitment in Nigeria 2.1.2 In-text Answer: Several reasons pointed to the directions why recruits were not forthcoming. These include: a deliberate official policy to restrict recruitment innigeria to the Hausa, to the exclusion of other tribes. This was in addition to language problems without sufficient interpreters for those interior tribes. Language barrier could slow the nature of the training process of the new recruit in this regard. Thus,as a part of the recruits in this recruitment policy, officers were directed to learn Hausa language and their competence in the language was rewarded after they have passed prescribed test. This policy helped to pursue, the supply of potential recruit. Another government policy that made recruitment difficult was poor pay for Nigerians in the regiment vis-à-vis their counter parts in the police, Marine and the Mines who earned more. Related to pay problem was the fact that soldiers on discharge were not paid any gratuity. Such a poor condition for exservice men had a serious demoralizing effect on potential recruits who would not see sense in being recruits other reasons for security of recruits include dislike of food other than the ones they were accustomed, the fear of the sea and crossing of water. Yet others dislike long separation from their wives. Therefore, the colonial government resolved to introduce conscription (compulsory recruitment) as was being done in the French territories across the Nigerian borders. Similarly, the nature of the recruitment involved the support of
civil authorities such as residents, emirs and chiefs had to be resorted to in obtaining who was being hurriedly trained at training deports across the country. Obtaining who being hurriedly trained at training depots across the country. 2.3 Activity: Activity timing; Time allowed 10 minutes Activity text; Meet a colleague and discuss the problems associated with the colonial recruitment policy in Nigeria. 2.4 Summary: The nature of recruitment into Nigerian regiment had almost entirely being from Hausa and Yoruba who had earned for themselves a high reputation as soldiers. At the outbreak of the World War I, three fifth (3/5) of the regiment was still composed of Huasa-1,300; Yourba-1,156; Kanuri-380; Fulani-351; nupe-91; Igbo-21 and representatives of twenty two other tribes and unclassified groups- 400. 2.5 Self-Assessment question: i. Evaluate the involvement of the Emirs and chiefs in the recruitment policy in Nigeria before the out breaks of the First World War, 1914. 2.6 Reference: Dule, SM, (ed), (1994), History of the Nigerian Army; Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Abuja, Nigeria.
2.7 Suggested Reading; Blackwell, HF, (1927), The Occupation of Hausa land, 1900-1904; Lagos, Nigeria. Flint, JE, (1960),Sir George Goldie and the Making of Nigeria; London, Uk. STUDY SESSION THREE (3) THE BRITISH CONQUEST OF SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN NIGERIA. Introduction: Having established the West African frontier force Lugard had contend with dispersing his force to pacify the country, and prohibit inter-tribal wars, slave trading and of course established British rule over Nigeria. His shortages of civil officers and lack of police obliged him to make every use of his troops as instruments of occupation and maintenance of law and order. Lugard sent two companies to patrol the southern border as a preventive measure against the explorations to probe and survey north-wards from the Niger up its tributaries, they had orders to avoid all hostilities and to make every effort to win the confidence of the people, to report upon economies and geography and to look for new site for his capital. Similarly, Lugard was asked by his home government to send troops to fight in the Anglo-American war of 1900. 3.1 learning Outcome: At the end of study students are expected to ex plainhow and why the British conquered both the southern and northern Nigeria. They should be able to describe
the process adopted in occupying the country, Nigeria without much resistance by the locals 3.2 In-text: The British conquest of southern and northern Nigeria. In Nigeria, the conquest of southern and northern part of the country began with the expedition on Arochukwu in November, 1901 and march, 1902 respectively. The expedition consumed the energy of the whole of the southern Nigeria Regiment during the period. The commander of the expedition was Lt. col. AF Montanaro, who was also the commandant of the southern Nigerian regiment. The expedition was to suppress the slave trade activities of Aro-chukwu people in general and to abolish the fetish practice known as the long- juju. The troops engaged were one thousand, one hundred and fifty men of the southern Nigerian Regiment with some three hundred each from the from the first Battalion Northern Nigeria regiment and the Lagos Battalion the force made up of eleven companies of infantry and two, four gun batteries of 75mm guns and about two thousand, three hundred carriers were secured as transport. It was the most important jungle operation smile Ashanti operations. The area of operation stretched from the Niger to the cross river. The task was in three phases, firstly, the capture of Aro-chukwu, secondly, the mopping up operations around Aro-chukwu and thirdly, the convergence of all columns on Bende. Some operations were encountered in December, 1901 with two officers killed and forty men wounded. The operation was again encountered on 7 th and 8 th December in a ravine close to Okwoge but were disloyal from their entrenchment when their position was charged with bayonet. The British occupied Aro-chukwu but fighting continued until when the enemy surrendered and the long
juju was blown up dreaming pockets of resistance continued until the columns converged on Bende as planned. Hence the conquest of southern Nigeria by the British force was achieved. However, attention was then turned to northern Nigeria. Here, Lugard s force were poised to deal with trouble emirs of Kontagora and Bidda who he wanted to bring to their knees but for shortage of troops. In 1901, Lugard sent a strong force against Kontagora under the acting commandant. Kemball of the royal army The force marched along the river banks of the cut off the retreat of the emir. The town of Kontagora fell as the Fulani horse men were helpless against disciplined gunfire. In august, 1901, the emir of Yola was dealt with by a small expedition of three hundred and sixty men under Col.Norland. the emir fled and his son was installed. However, the areas that lay in the north and north-west were still unoccupied. They were; Sokoto, Gwandu, Kano, Katsina and some other lesser ones. Kano was the first to be dealt with. The emir had an army of mounted horses men and had his city surrounded by fortresses. He was known to be bitterly opposed to the British. In the middle of 1902, one administrative officer, hon. David Carnegies and one native Christian missionary had been murdered in Nassarawa area. Also in Keffi, Magaji, one of the emirs chiefs, killed the resident, captain Molony and fled to Kano where he received royal deception. Sokoto and Kano meanwhile embarked on strengthening their defense and accepting deserters from the French and British forces for the emir s rifles.
However, on January 29 th, 1902, Lugard sent Norland ahead for Zaria to march to Kano with seven hundred and twenty men, twenty four officers, twelve British non-commissioned officers, four guns and four maxims. He left Zungeru on 2 nd February and one after the other, the towns on the way to Kano opened their gates to Col. Norland and his men, the Fulani head of each town having fled to Kano. On reaching Kano, Norland began by shelling the gates. He succeeded in breaking through the fortresses which were stormed by some of his men. The British forces inflicted a heavy casualty of one thousand, two hundred Kano warriors. The troops then marched on into the town unopposed and took possession of the emir s palace, hence the fell of Kano in1902. After the fall of Kano, the British marched to Sokoto where all Fulani leaders and the bulk of their armies had taken back to link up with Sokoto. The emir of Kano s army was encountered; the emir of Kano who earlier fled was later captured in Gobir and banished to Yola and later to Lokoja. Yet, on the 4 th of March, 1903, the British forces which numbered six hundred and fifty (650) men, twenty five officers, four guns and two maxims. With these forces, Lugard approached Sokoto who had about fifteen thousand (15,000) horsemen and three thousand (3000) footmen. Adopting the square formation strategy, Lugard entered Sokoto where the defenders had melted away and the city was found almost completely deserted. The sultan of sokoto and Magaji of Keffi had fled before the forces got to the palace. They both along with their loyalists made their way to Bornu but on the 27 th of July, 1903, they were engaged in a fierce battle at Burmi where the two of them were killed. When Lugard arrived in Sokoto, he installed a new sultan, Atahiru. Atahiru was pro-british and refused to wage war against them. Similarly, major Burdon was also installed as the resident
and thereafter left for Katsina where the emir had disassociated himself from the war-like attitude of the emir of Kano and his allies. As at the time Lugard entered Katsina, a single shot was not fired. Therefore, the conquest of both the northern and southern Nigeria was undertaken by the constabularies at different time with few resistances. It took the British three years only to conquer the whole of northern Nigeria that was 1901 to 1903 3.2.1. In-text Question Briefly, discuss the main causes of the British conquest of the southern Nigeria. 3.2.2 In-text Answer: Initially, the British decided to contend with dispersing its forces to pacify the whole of Nigeria and prohibit intertribal wars and slave trading and of cause establish British rule over Nigeria. Lugard s shortages of civil officers and lack of police obliged him to make every use of his troops as instrument of occupation. He sent two companies to patrol the southern border as a preventive measure against the importation of liquor. Others were sent for exploration to probe and survey Northwards from Niger up its tributaries. They were to report upon the economies and geography and to look for a new site for Lugard s capital.
However, the expedition against the southern Nigeria was to suppress the slave trade activities of Aro-chukwu people in general and to abolish the fetish practice known as the long Juju, in which the killing of twins was allowed. 3.3 Activity: Activity Timing: Time allowed 10 minutes Activity text: Meet a colleague and analyze the British strategy in conquering northern Nigeria. 3.4 Summary: The British conquest of southern and northern Nigeria paved the way for amalgamation of the two regions to form Nigeria as one country; slave trade and trade in liquor were suppressed. Other Juju practices of killing twins and other related abnormal practices were also abolished. This was achieved through the contributions of some Nigerians who were part of the British military formation who helped to conquer both southern and northern Nigeria. 3.5 Self-Assessment question: The conquest of northern Nigeria by the British forces was without any resistance from the Nigerians. Do you agree? 3.6 Reference: Haywood, A and Clarke, FAS (1964), The History of the royal west African frontier force; London, UK.
3.7 Suggested readings: Dule, SM, et al (1994),History of the Nigerian Army; Hqtrs. Nigerian Army, Abuja, Nigeria. Ikime, O. (1968), Merchant Prince of the Niger Delta; London UK.
STUDY SESSION FOUR (4) THE NIGERIAN MILITARY IN THE FIRST AND SECOND WORLD WARS. Introduction: The Nigerian Regiment had been reorganized shortly before the outbreak of First World War in 1914. This Nigerian Regiment was the backbone of the forces that won wars in the Cameroun and east Africa. The mounted infantry had its headquarters in Kano with its three companies located in Kano, Sokoto and Geidam. The Headquarters of the four infantry battalions were; Kaduna, Lokoja, Calabar and Lagos. The first battalion at Kaduna had eight companies, three in Kaduna and one each in Sokoto, Kano, Bauchipankshin, Birnin-kebbi and Katagum. The second battalion at Lokoja also had eight companies with companies in Lokoja, one each in Wamba, Yola-primbi, Maiduguri, Ankpa-Bojo, Zungeru, Zuru and Nafada. The third battalion based in Calabarconsisted of eight companies also, two in Calabarand one each at Ukpo, Oweeri, Obudu, Okigwe and Abinsi-Katsinaalla. The fourth battalion in Lagos had seven companies, with two in Lagos and one each at Okwoga, Onitsha, Udi, Agbor and Ibadan. 4.1 Learning outcome: At the end of the session, the students should be able to name Headquarters of the battalions and their companies. The students are also expected to grasp the contributions of the Nigerians in both the first and second world wars.
4.2 In-text: THE NIGERIAN MILITARY IN THE FIRST AND SECOND WORLD WARS. The Nigerian Regiment on the onset of the First World War consisted largely of Hausa and Yoruba recruits with few smaller tribes from the middle belt and the south-south regions of Nigeria. The Regiment could be remembered for its gallant performance against the German in Cameroun and in east Africa. The Regiment was described as the main backbone of the British West African frontier force. However, during the Second World War, the Regiment performed gallantly in almost all the theaters of war against the Germans, Italians and Japanese. As it was expected, just after the Italian conquer of Ethiopia during the battle of May Chew on 31 st March, 1936 where the Italians used poisonous gas against the Ethiopians. As a result, Emperor Itaile Selassie I, the head of state of Ethiopia sought for help from friendly nations to prevent the Italians occupation of his country. Similarly, the British government, on its part, could not tolerate Italian occupation of Ethiopia on the grounds that the Italians belonged to the axis power - whereas the British were on the side of the allied powers. It was these two camps that fought the Second World War which involved Nigeria participating on the side of British, its Colonial master. The Nigerian Regiment was involved in the campaign against Mogadishu and Harrar. During the campaign, A company, first Nigerian Regiment pursued Italians for about a mile before contact was made and after a short fight, the Italians were attacked and forced to retire. B company, first Nigeria Regiment, at
the same time, moved to the edge of the mine field until the field was cleared and the advance continued. The Italians were encountered shortly after and in a shortlived action, fire guns and eight machine guns were captured, the enemy were forced to withdraw. On the 25 th February Vittorio D Africa landing ground, which was used by the Italian, was also occupied by 3 rd Nigeria Regiment. Thus, a squadron of armoured cars and two companies of 2 nd Nigeria Regiment entered Mogadishu which was found unoccupied. Valuable stores such as three hundred and fifty thousand gallons of fuel and eight thousand gallons of aviation spirit, among others, were found in town. Yet in the March to Hararin Ethiopia, the Nigeria Regiment also recorded a number of successes. During harar campaign, five hundred prisoners, thirteen guns and some machine guns were captured. 1 st Nigeria Regiment with the aid of some armored cars forced the Italians to surrender Harar. The Italian flag captured during the operation is presently in the Nigeria Army Museum in Zaria. The Nigerian Brigade had been the leading force in the endeavor to push the Italians out of Ethiopia and the fall of Harar marked the climax of that role. The main body of 23 rd Nigeria Brigade moved to Dire Dawa, while 2 nd Nigeria Regiment assisted the South Africans in dearing demolitions and was eventually attached to them. Among the columns that entered Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, were the 2 nd Nigeria Regiment and 52 nd Nigerian Light Battery. On 5 th May, Emperor Haile Selassie arrived at his capital and inspects a guard of honour mounted by 1 st Nigeria Regiment. The distance of 1,700 miles (2720km) between River Tana and Addis Ababa was covered in eight weeks under appalling conditions which were cheerfully borne by the troops. The total causalities suffered were one hundred and thirty-two killed, and hundred and ten wounded, four taken
prisoners of war and fifty two missing. However, the conclusion of the operations in Galla-Sidamomarked the end of the involvement of 23 rd Nigerian Brigade which left east Africa in august, 1941. In a related development, in the Far East Asia, the 3 rd West Africa Brigade was the Nigeria contingent which formed past of 81 st west Africa division that played a prominent role in the Burma campaign of 1943 to 1944. The 3 rd Brigade consisted of 4 th, 6 th, 7 th and 12 th Battalions Nigeria Regiment, it arrived in Ibadan by rail from northern Nigeria. Ibadan being the headquarters of the soldiers who were meant to fight against the Japanese in the jungles of Burma as such training in jungle warfare began immediately. During their journey to Burma through Cape of GoodHope to India by sea, the troops passed their time by organizing some leisure activities including boxing tournament and impromptu concerts. The major problems encountered by the Army in Burma were the twins effects of the geography, topography and the climate on the one hand and the Japanese attacks on the other. The Japanese were good in digging in and in camouflaging their positions but their training concerning patrols and concealing information from the enemy was inadequate. They regarded capture as the worst disgrace and would hardly allow themselves to be captured alive. They were also known to be able to march on long distance on small rations. Therefore, during the operations in different parts of Burma, the Nigeria Regiment performed extremely wonderful in road construction for easy maneuver, cutting the enemy line of communication among other things. The action of the Nigerians also helped in prosecuting the war as it frightened the Japanese into surrendering instead of being killed in battle. It was widely held among them that a headless Japanese casualty was an indication of the Fact that Africans ate the
heads. The Japanese believed that they would be rejected by the goals if they were eaten by Africans. The belief became an asset to the allied forces is the Japanese preferred surrender to being killed in battle, these attitudes weakened their resistance. Similarly, only scattered resistance was met and on the 30 th April, patrols had cleared the main road. 4 th brigade then swept down the coast, and arrived at the Japanese position they toward them fled. Those who escaped the Arakan were finally destroyed by fourteenth Army who by capturing Rangoon, had sealed their doom. 4.2.1 In-Text, Questions Examine the roles of the Nigerian Regiment in the conqest of the Japanese in the Second World War. 4.2.2 In-Text Answer During the operations in Burma, the Nigerian Regiment performed extremely wonderful in road construction for easy manouver, cutting the enemy line at communication among other things. The action of the Nigeria Regiment also happen in prosecuting the war as it tightened the Japanese into surrendering instead of being killed in battle. It was widely held among the Japanese that a headless Japanese casualty was an indication of the fact that Africans ate the heads. The Japanese believed that they would be rejected by the goods if they were eaten by Africans. The belief became an asset to the allied forces as the Japanese preferred surrender to being killed in the battle, these attitudes weakened their resistance. However, the scattered resistance was met and cleared. Furthermore, the 4 th brigade of the Nigerian Regiment swept down the coast and arrived at the Japanese positions which they found deserted. Those who fled to Arakan were
finally found and destroyed by 14 th brigade. Thus the capture of Rargoon sealed up their doom. 4.3 Activity Activity Timing; Time allowed 10 minutes. Activity Text; Meet a colleague and discuss the capture of Mogadishu in east Africa during the Second World War-1939 to 1945. 4.4 Summary The Nigeria Regiment was formed by the British colonial government to help maintain peace and order within the West Africans sub-region. It was the same Regiment that helped in the occupation of Nigeria day the British. When the first and Second World Wars began in 1906 to 1914 and 1939 to 1945, the Nigeria Regiment was also used in the hostilities in east Africa, Cameron, Togo and in the Far East Asia where the war with Japanese was executed and won. 4.5 Self-Assessment Question Discuss the involvement of Nigeria Regiment in the First World War. 4.6 Reference Burns, AC, (1929), History of Nigeria; London, UK 4.7 Suggested Reading Dule, SM, (1994),History of the Nigeria army; Hqts.Nigeria army, Abuja, Nigeria.
Miners, NJ, (1971), The Nigeria army - 1956 to 1966; London, UK. Flint, JE, (1960) Sir George Goldie and the making of Nigeria; London, UK.
STUDY SESSION FIVE (5) POST-SECOND WORLD WAR MILITARY DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA. Introduction: In early 1946, Nigeria troops started returning home from various parts of the theatre of Wars and on 2 nd September, 1946, 82 nd West Africa division now beginning final phase of embarkation at Rangoon for repatriation and demobilization. During the war, men of the Nigeria Regiment fought against the Italians in east Africa and Abyssinia and against the Japanese in Burma the Regiment fought so courageously that some individuals in the Regiment received awards and medals for that bravery and gallantry. 5.1 Learning Outcome At the end of the study, students should be able to identify development and charges associated with the Nigeria army after the Second World War. Such as reorganization of the military, building of barracks etc. 5.2 In-text No sooner the Second World War was over than the barracks were named after the campaigns in which the force gained distinction for instance, the barracks at Kaduna and Zaria were named Mogadishu, Dalletand Chindit. The one at Abeokuta, was named Nyangaowhile those in Lagos were called Ashanti, an, Abalti, Myohaung, Arakan, Tamandu and Marwa barracks. Similarly, apart from naming barracks, the retiring solders were demobilized, hence the Nigeria
Regiment was reduced to five infantry Battalions and new units and services sufficient for the peace time and routine functions were formed. The new units and services were the Nigeria 1 field battery toward from the field gunners of 81 st West African Division, the West African Army ordinance corps (WAAOC) the West African Army medical corps (WAAMC), the West African electrical and mechanical engineers (WAEME), the Nigeria signals squadron, the District pay and records, the second of physical training at the Zaria training Depot and the Jos leave camp. The Jos leave camp was one unit that assumed prominence after the Second World War. Prior to the Nigeria s independence in 1960, the Nigeria Regiment remained almost completely inactive except for routine Army duties and peace keeping operations in the hold west (Ghana), Congo and Tangayika (Tanzania). However, since the formation of the Nigeria Regiment and throughout the first and Second World War, no Nigerian was commissioned as an officer in the Regiment. With the much agitation for independence by the nationalists, the British saw the handwriting on the wall and was determined of its command and leadership by a Nigerian officer corps. A few outstanding Nigeria noncommissioned officers (NCOs) with good educational background and who were serving in the technical sections of the Nigeria Regiment such as ordinance, engineers, and signals were thus sent to Eaton hall officer cadet school for officer training and on successful completion, they were granted short service commission. Therefore, the first Nigerian to be granted short service commission was LT. LV. Ugboma in 1948 four more NCOs W.LL, Bassey, Sey, JTU. AguiyeIronsi and S.A Ademulegun were commissioned Lieutenants in 1949 and LT.RA
ShodeindeLt. Wellingtonwere commissioned in 1950 and 1952 respectively. Some of these Nigerian commissioned as officers from 1948 to 1952 did not stay long in the Nigeria Regiment. By 1952, Lt.say had resigned his commission while Lt.Ugboma and Lt. Wellington were no longer in the Nigerian Regiment by 1953. Thus leaving Lt. Bassey as the officers with the most senior army number in the Nigeria Regiment.More Nigerians and Lt. RA Adebayo in 1953, Lt. CDC Nwawo and Lt. FA Fajuyi (BEN) in 1954. All these officers mentioned so far were SNCOs commissioned as officers went straight to the United Kingdom for their training. In mid-1953, the colonial office established the regular officers special training school (ROSTS) at Teshie, Ghana as a recruiting and preparatory Centre for all RWAFF officer cadets for six months before proceeding to the UK for the complete commission training at any of the cadet training institutions. However, the short service commission was meant for suitable serving solders with general certificate of education (GCE) ordinary level the its recognized army equivalent. This will follow with unit commander s recommendation of candidate to appear before a selection board. Other requirements are; age and medical certificates. As for the regular commission, it was open to all interested young Nigerians leaving secondary schools. In order to foster enlistment into the Nigeria Regiment, cadet training units were established at selected public schools in the country. Some of the schools with cadet units including government college Zaria (Barewa college), king s college, Lagos and government college Umuahia. The first Nigerian young school certificate holders to enlist in the Nigeria Regiment were ZakariyaMaimalari and Umar Lawan both from government
college Zaria in 1950. They were trained at the royal military academy, sand Hurst and commissioned in 1954. Again, J. Y. Pam and GT Kurubo commissioned in 1955. In 1956, VA Banjo, DA Ejoor, Yakubu Gowon, AA Madibo and A. Unegbe all from sand Hurst were also commissioned into the Nigeria Regiment. The recruitment of other ranks or non-commissioned officers into the Nigerian Regiment was centralized and conducted in centers like the Zaria, Enugu and Ibadan districts of Nigeria. On the whole, the development of the Nigerian Army in the post-second world war, a period of colonial administration, ended in the year 1960 when Nigeria attained independent status. During the same period as in above, the British Army council relinquished the control of the Nigerian Armed Forces to the Nigeria government. Similarly, the strength of the Armed Forces had risen from 6,400 in 1956 to 7,600. To further accelerate the rate of Nigerianisation of the officers corps of the Army, the Royal Nigerian Military College (RNMTC) later Nigeria Military Training College (NMTC) and now Infantry Center and School (ICS) was established in 1960. 5.3.1 In-Text Question: Trace the post-second world war military development from 1948 to 1960 in the Nigerian Regiment 5.3.2 In-Text Answer: During the post-second world war, Nigerian Regiment had undergone through several transformation processes. For instance, 1948, the first Nigerians to be granted short service commission was lieutenant L.V. Ugboma, four more noncommissioned officers, W.U. Bassey, Sey JTU, AguiyiIronsi and SA.
Ademulegun were commissioned lieutenants in 1949 and Lt. RA. Shodeinde and Lt Wellington were commissioned in 1950 and 1952 respectively. Some of these officers who were commissioned as from 1948 to 1952 did not stay long in the Nigerian Regiment. By 1952, Lt. Sey had resigned while Lt Wellington and Lt. Ugboma were no longer in the Nigerian Regiment by 1953. However, more officers had been commissioned in 1954. All these officers so far were senior non-commissioned as most of them went straight to the United kingdom for their training. In mid-1953, the regular officers Special training school was established at Teshie, Ghana as a recruiting and preparatory center for all officer cadets for six months before proceeding to the UK for the complete commission training at any of the cadet training institutions. General certificate of education was also to serve as an entry requirement for the short service. To further foster enlistment programme, cadet. Training units were established at selected public schools in the country such as government college Zaria (Barewa college), Kings college, Lagos and government college Umuahia. Those that were enlisted in the Nigerian regiment upon completion of studies in these colleges were; Zakariyamaimalari and Umar Lawan from Zaria in 1950. They were trained at the Royal Military Academy, sand Hurst and commissioned as second lieutenants in 1953. Others were Kur Mohammed and AboguLargema commissioned in the 1954 again, JY Pam and GT Kurubo commissioned in 1955. Similarly, in 1956,VA Banjo, DA Ejoor, Yakubu Gowon, AA Madibo and A. Unegbe all from sandhurst were also commissioned into the Nigeria Regiment. However, the recruitment of noncommissioned officers was centralized and conducted in Zaria district, Enugu district and Ibadan district.
Therefore, as the year 1960 loomed, the British Army council relinquished the control of the Nigerian Armed forces to the Nigerian government. The strength of the forces rouses from 6,400 to 7,600 in 1956. Finally, in 1960 infantry center and school (ICS) was established as part of military development derives during the post-second world war. 5.3. Activity: Activity Timing; Time allowed five minutes Activity Text; Meet a colleague and examine the development of military training institutions in British Nigeria. 5.4. Summary In both first and second world wars, the aftermath of which the Nigeria Regiment was reorganized by retiring those that aged, disabled and illiterates members of the Nigerian Army. Barracks were built and named after the places where the Nigerian Regiment defeated in their campaign. There was recruitment exercise by sending soldiers abroad for training and further to commissioning into the Nigerian Regiment. In order to achieve this post-second world war military development, these were creations of new units and battalions like medical, engineering as well as electrical and signal units. Public schools were selected to introduce cadet training before going abroad to further training. These developments led to the rise in number of the military strength of the Nigerian Armed forces. 5.5 Self-Assessment Question: