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Ikiodiete George
- 2 Min Read
Official Functions Of The Nigerian Army: Their Roles & Responsibilities
The Nigerian Army plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internal stability of Nigeria. As the largest component of the Nigerian Armed Forces, its functions extend beyond combat to peacekeeping, humanitarian support, and national development.
In this guide, we explore the core duties, constitutional responsibilities, and operational roles of the Nigerian Army.
What Is the Nigerian Army?
The Nigerian Army is the land-based branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces, under the command of the Chief of Army Staff and ultimately supervised by the President as Commander-in-Chief. It operates under the Ministry of Defence and adheres to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and other military acts.
Official Functions of the Nigerian Army
Here is a breakdown of the Nigerian Army’s core responsibilities:
|
Function |
Description |
|
1. Territorial Defense |
Protect Nigeria’s borders and land territory from external aggression. |
|
2. Internal Security |
Support civil authorities in maintaining peace during crises or unrest. |
|
3. Counter-Terrorism & Insurgency |
Combat terrorism, banditry, and insurgencies like Boko Haram and ISWAP. |
|
4. Peacekeeping Operations |
Participate in regional and international peacekeeping missions (e.g., ECOWAS, UN). |
|
5. Disaster Relief & Humanitarian Aid |
Provide emergency support during floods, pandemics, and natural disasters. |
|
6. Training and Capacity Building |
Conduct military education and professional development through its institutions. |
|
7. Military Intelligence & Surveillance |
Gather and analyze intelligence to ensure proactive national defense. |
|
8. Infrastructure & Engineering Support |
Build roads, bridges, and public structures during national emergencies. |
|
9. Law Enforcement Support |
Assist police in combating violent crime and restoring law and order. |
|
10. Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure |
Protect oil pipelines, power installations, and other strategic assets. |
Legal Backing for Army Operations
The Nigerian Army derives its legitimacy and functions from:
- Section 217–220 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)
- Armed Forces Act CAP A20 LFN 2004
- Presidential Orders during emergencies
These laws empower the Army to act in both war and peace, under strict civil-military guidelines.
Special Units Within the Nigerian Army
To fulfill its functions effectively, the Army has specialized commands such as:
- Army Aviation Corps
- Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers
- Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps
- Special Forces and Elite Units
- Military Police Corps
Each of these units supports specific duties from tactical operations to logistics and intelligence.
FAQs – Roles and Responsibilities of the Nigerian Army
Q1: Does the Nigerian Army operate only during wartime?
No. The Army is active year-round, managing peacekeeping, disaster relief, and internal security duties.
Q2: Can the Army arrest civilians?
Yes, but only in special situations where internal security is threatened, and usually in support of civil authorities.
Q3: What makes the Nigerian Army different from the Navy and Air Force?
The Army handles land operations, while the Navy is in charge of maritime defense and the Air Force manages aerial security.
Q4: Is the Army involved in peacekeeping outside Nigeria?
Yes. Nigeria contributes troops to ECOWAS and UN peacekeeping missions in Africa and beyond.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Army is more than a fighting force. It is a guardian of Nigeria’s stability, peace, and progress. From combating terrorism to aiding flood victims, the Army plays a dynamic and indispensable role in national development and security.
