On Tuesday, the Nigerian Army announced plans to commemorate its 160 years of existence. It will highlight its operations, research, and development strengths going back to 1863. According to the Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu, the Nigerian Army’s origins began in 1863 when Lt. Glover of the Royal Navy chose 18 natives and formed them into a local force known as the “Glover Constabulary.”
The constabulary began serving as the colonial government’s permanent police and military force in 1865.
Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, told journalists on Tuesday in Abuja that the Nigerian Army has changed in all respects throughout the last 160 years of its existence.
Lagbaja, who Maj represented. Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, the Chief of Special Services and Programs (Army), emphasized that the Nigerian Army is a respected national institution responsible for defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity as mandated by the constitution. The Army has a long history of service dating back to 1863.
Lagbaja said that the 2023 NADCEL would honour the day the Nigerian Civil War began by taking it in Ibadan on July 6.
He claims that it was also the day Garkem received the opening shot of the conflict in what is now Cross River State.
According to him, the date reminded him of the past and the necessity of finding peaceful solutions to difficulties rather than turning to force.
He stated, “It offers the Nigerian Army an opportunity to take stock, assess its performances, interface with the public, and set goals for continued professional growth.
“This will enable it to better perform its constitutional roles and also compete favourably with other armies around the globe.
“This year’s celebration is to celebrate the Nigerian army’s achievements.
“It will also showcase the army’s operational activities as well as its transformational strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations, and technological advancement.
“The celebration is also aimed at projecting the Army as an instrument of national unity and development as well as highlighting its capabilities.”
cc: Punch Ng
