Obaba Museum

I recently took a keen interest in military history and this led me to study the structure and organization of the military. I also did an etymology of some military words. Have you ever wondered where terms like ‘lieutenant’ and ‘colonel’ come from? Lieutenant is derived from two French words, ‘lieu’ (place) and ‘tenant’ (holding) while Colonel has its own interesting history.

Understanding these word origins can add a layer of fascination to military knowledge.

I also had a discussion with my friend who is a military cadet officer about the organisation of soldiers into sections, platoons, company, battalion, brigade and division. I really learnt a lot from his detailed explanation. So relax and grab a popcorn or biscuit as we begin this thriller.

The Nigerian Army is one of the three wings of the Armed Forces. It is a highly structured and organized institution, with a strict hierarchical system that determines the roles and responsibilities of its members. From the entry-level recruit to the highest-ranking general, each rank within the Nigerian Army is not just a title but a reflection of the individual’s training, experience, and expertise. Every rank has some specified responsibility and a specific number of men attached to their command, even a lance corporal has men under him. This helps to ensure the smooth functioning of military operations. Understanding the military hierarchy is essential not only for those in the armed forces, but also for civilians who want to grasp the complexity and importance of this system.

There are generally two categories of soldiers in the Nigerian Army – the commissioned officers and the non-commissioned officers. These categories come with distinct roles and career paths, each playing a crucial part in the military’s effectiveness.
Commissioned Officers receive their commissioning directly from the President who is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. They play pivotal roles in decision-making and leadership. Members of this class (in descending order) include: General, Lieutenant-General, Major-General, Brigadier-General, Colonels, Lieutenant-Colonels, Majors, Captains, Lieutenants and 2nd Lieutenants.

Non-commissioned Officers constitute the majority of soldiers in the army. They are the major backbone of field operations in the military, responsible for executing orders and maintaining discipline. This group includes ranks (in descending order) like Warrant officers (1, 2 and 3), Staff Sergeants, Sergeants, Corporals, Lance Corporals and Privates.

There are strict rules and traditions maintained in the army one of which is the prohibition of marriage between commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers. This can be allowed only when one of them decides to resign from the military. The reason for this is to maintain order and enforce discipline. Let’s look at a practicable explanation. If the marriage is allowed, the non-commissioned officer who married the commissioned officer may start disobeying his or her seniors. Another possible scenario is that some of the commissioned officers who are junior to either the husband or wife of the senior commissioned officer may not be discharging their duties because of familiarity and sentiments.

Similarly, even among commissioned officers, there is a rule which states that you do not salute your junior, and therefore, once your junior colleague is promoted ahead of you, you must quit the job. Hence when new service chiefs are appointed a lot of Generals often retire.
Beyond titles and ranks, the structured organization of the Nigerian military is fundamental to its efficiency and success. This hierarchical system ensures precise coordination during missions and operations, which is vital for maintaining order and achieving objectives, particularly in complex and high-stakes situations. This adherence to strict discipline and regimentation has placed the Nigerian military as one of the most formidable Armed Forces in Africa with its troops playing pivotal roles in significant events and conflicts, both domestically and internationally. The structure and ranks of the Nigerian military have evolved over time to adapt to changing circumstances and meet the nation’s defense needs.

In the next episode, we would discuss the history of the Nigerian Army, its organization and terminologies, and how they have evolved over time. Do well to subscribe so you be the first to get notified about our latest articles.