The First Shot and the Long March: Reflections on 162 Years of the Nigerian Army By Olayemi Esan
On July 6, 1967, in the quiet town of Garkem, Cross River State, a single gunshot echoed across Nigeria. It wasn’t just the start of a conflict; it was the first shot of one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history—the Nigerian Civil War. That solitary sound did more than mark the beginning of hostilities; it symbolized the fragility of a young nation and profoundly tested the resolve of its nascent army.
As the Nigerian Army commemorates 162 years of its existence this year, it’s a fitting moment to pause and reflect. Our contemplation shouldn’t just be on the triumphs—the peacekeeping missions, the modernization efforts, and the unwavering national service—but also on the moments of pain, immense sacrifice, and national reckoning. The first shot at Garkem is undoubtedly one such moment.
The Army’s journey began humbly in 1863 under British colonial rule, with the formation of the “Glover Hausas.” This force of local soldiers, led by British officers, laid the foundational framework for what would evolve into today’s Nigerian Army. Over time, this force expanded not just in numbers, but crucially, in purpose. From primarily serving colonial interests, the Army gradually transformed into the very backbone of Nigeria’s national defense following our independence in 1960.
Yet, nation-building is rarely a straight path. By the mid-1960s, Nigeria found itself entangled in a complex web of political instability, escalating ethnic tensions, and disruptive military coups. The declaration of Biafra’s secession in 1967 tragically ignited a war that would span 30 months and claim over a million lives, predominantly civilians. It remains a haunting reminder of how quickly political fractures can spiral into devastating armed conflict.
The Army, burdened with the monumental task of maintaining national unity, bore much of the weight of that war. Its officers and soldiers—young men from every corner of the country—faced an unenviable dilemma: to fight a war on home soil, often against brothers, friends, and fellow Nigerians. While the war concluded in 1970 with the magnanimous policy of “no victor, no vanquished,” the emotional and societal wounds lingered for decades, shaping our collective consciousness.
Rebirth and Evolving Purpose
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From the ashes of that harrowing war, the Nigerian Army remarkably rebuilt itself—not only as a formidable fighting force but as an enduring symbol of national resilience. Over the years, it has adapted to an array of new and critical roles: battling insidious insurgencies, providing essential humanitarian relief during crises, supporting civil authorities in emergencies, and contributing significantly to peacekeeping missions across Africa.
Today, as the Army celebrates 162 years of service, it represents far more than just a military institution. It stands as a living witness to Nigeria’s evolving story—its profound struggles, its determined growth, and its enduring aspirations. From those initial colonial parades to complex modern-day operations, the Nigerian Army embodies both the weighty burdens and the profound hopes of the country it dutifully serves.
Under the leadership of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army has risen valiantly to the occasion, denying terrorists the opportunity to disrupt our socio-cultural heritage or smear the sanctity of our sovereignty. Nigeria has, for too long, contended with the enemies of peace and agents of chaos who have brought terrorism to our borders and spawned a plethora of internal security challenges.
The Nigerian Army, as an indispensable instrument of national unity, integration, and development, has made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations, and technological advancement. These efforts are all geared towards better equipping the Nigerian soldier to effectively carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
A Call for Reflective Pride
The first shot fired in 1967 is an indelible part of our collective history—one that must never be forgotten. It serves as a potent reminder of the staggering cost of division, the inherent danger of disunity, and the exceptionally high price of peace. But crucially, it also reminds us of our nation’s remarkable endurance, its inherent power to rebuild, and the continuous need to strive for a Nigeria where armed conflict is no longer a viable option.
As we honor the courageous men and women of the Nigerian Army—both past and present—let us do so not with blind celebration, but with a deep, reflective pride. Their unwavering service tells a powerful story, not just of raw power, but of profound purpose. And in remembering where we’ve been, we gain the clarity and wisdom to discern precisely where we must go as a nation.
Olayemi Esan is a broadcast journalist and a public relations practitioner. She is the Managing Director of Spye Communications Ltd (SpyeTV). She can be reached at [email protected] or +23480 351 32961.
