Following a naval bombardment on December 26 and 27, 1851, motivated by Britain’s desire for a share of regional trade, Lagos was brought under British gunboat influence. The opportunity for Britain to do this was partially created by a dispute between elements of the Lagos traditional ruling House (Kosoko and Akitoye). When Kosoko (who was …
An Overview of the Evolution of the Nigerian Army Read More »
INTRODUCTION What is the Military Question? The military has an unrivaled capacity to project force. This makes it an important tool for asserting state authority, enforcing the rule of law, and protecting the nation against external aggression. Unfortunately, such power, if not properly managed, can also pose a serious threat against civil authority as has been …
“I need not tell you what horror, what devastation and what extreme human suffering will attend the use of force. When it is all over and the smoke and dust have lifted, and the dead are buried, we shall find, as other people have found, that it has all been futile, entirely futile, in solving …
October 16, 2004 Indications are that Major General Martin Adamu (rtd), N/142, one time acting Chief of Staff (Army) (July 1975) and later GOC of the 2nd Division (August 1975 to June 1978) has joined his ancestors. He joined the Army on April 1st 1960 and was commissioned 2/Lt on March 3rd, 1961 after officer training at the Mons Officer Cadet School, Aldershot, England. He retired voluntarily, effective August 1st, …
THE NOTION OF INTER-DEPENDABILITY OF SECURITY AGENCIES Let me introduce the concept of Inter-dependability of Security services and roles. The division of domestic responsibility between the Military and Police, as two components (among others) of a State Security Tool Box, should, in my view, be contextualized holistically in terms of the broad spectrum of Human …
Inter-service Relations: Imperatives for Jointness (Part 5) Read More »
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER – THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE WITH INTER-SERVICE AND MILITARY-POLICE RIVALRYWe have previously discussed Nigerian examples of intra-service rivalry. We have also touched on the influence of inter-service rivalry on recent Defence Policy formulation and outlined some prevailing theories on reasons for Military-Police tensions. H aving taking stock of the experience in some …
Inter-service Relations: Imperatives for Jointness (Part 4) Read More »
THE EXPERIENCE IN OTHER COUNTRIES Let us briefly consider the experience of a select group of other countries in conceptualizing and implementing jointness. INDIA The situation in India is interesting. The HQs of the Army, Air Force and Navy are not part of the Ministry of Defence. Civil servants control funding, procurement, promotion and postings …
Inter-service Relations: Imperatives for Jointness (Part 3) Read More »
History of Joint operations (Military) What can we learn from history? The table below is a summary of selected classic examples of joint and combined warfare in history. Ancient and Classical Era and the Middle Ages Operation Outcome Comment In 490 B.C., the Persians launched an amphibious assault against the Greeks at Marathon Unsuccessful. Poorly …
Inter-service Relations: Imperatives for Jointness (Part 2) Read More »
