₦airaland Forum

ugo4u:
Why it seems PMC especially Revenant coy were kinda more effective is because they are given everything they need including a dedicated air support fleet which includes Gazelle helicopter, Eurocopter and Mi 17. There is nothing special Eeben Barlow does that the NA can't do, if they are spoilt with equipment Eeben and 72MSF enjoyed bokoharam would have being since be forgotten. They all have the REVA MRAPs, dedicated air wings, enjoyed gunships and airstrike when ever and how ever they needed it.
These are the capabilities he enjoyed, Give the army their own dedicated air wing/attack helicopters, equip them well. Make MRAPs are basic means of transport for all troops and you’ll see that BHT will dare not to attack our military convoys any how again.

May God Save this Country from the Corrupt Naija Armed forces Authorities...

Also, at times, the Mercenaries get defeated too sef.

When President Filipe Nyusi wanted help last year to tackle a jihadist insurgency in northern Mozambique, various private military firms were keen to oblige. Mr Nyusi chose Russia’s Wagner Group, which vowed to make short work of the rebels. But after a bunch of its men were killed, it pulled out, humiliated.

ugo4u:
Why it seems PMC especially Revenant coy were kinda more effective is because they are given everything they need including a dedicated air support fleet which includes Gazelle helicopter, Eurocopter and Mi 17. There is nothing special Eeben Barlow does that the NA can't do, if they are spoilt with equipment Eeben and 72MSF enjoyed bokoharam would have being since be forgotten. They all have the REVA MRAPs, dedicated air wings, enjoyed gunships and airstrike when ever and how ever they needed it.
These are the capabilities he enjoyed, Give the army their own dedicated air wing/attack helicopters, equip them well. Make MRAPs are basic means of transport for all troops and you’ll see that BHT will dare not to attack our military convoys any how again.

HIS INTERVIEW WITH ALJAZEERA

Barlow said his army was initially engaged to rescue the Chibok girls but that changed to combating Boko Haram.
“Our initial aim was not Boko Haram per se, it was to rescue the Chibok girls. They were the girls that were kidnapped and the western response was #Savethegirls (#BringBackOurGirls),” he said.

“That type of nonsense does not save girls. Unfortunately, these girls became victims of a situation where the security had broken down in a specific area, they were kidnapped and that was the first mission – rescue the Chibok girls.
“We ended a selection process of the Nigerian soldiers, the soldiers were retained after a selection process, they were trained in a specific way to conduct a hostage rescue operation.

“However, after about five or six weeks of the training of the hostage rescue team we were asked to change our mission and that mission was to go to a town called Maiduguri in north-east Nigeria that had come under severe threat of Boko Haram and we rapidly had to transition what we were doing and suddenly train an offensive force with the minimum of equipment.

“We rushed to Maiduguri and we met with 7th infantry division commander, he was under pressure, we finally understood the pressure he was under and our suggestion to him that the force that we have trained which named the 72nd mobile strike force would actually spearhead the division and that is precisely what we did.

“The operation was in three phases, the first phase was to cut a dividing line across north-eastern Nigeria and isolate Boko Haram into two isolated areas and mop up. One area in the south was the start and after that then mop up in the north. The division will follow behind and occupy terrain.

“But we were never allowed to execute the entire operation. In one month, we took back terrain larger than the terrain of Belgium from Boko Haram. We were not allowed to finish because it came at a time that governments were in the process of changing.

“President Jonathan’s government saw the entire Boko Haram contract, if we call it that, as a last grasp to regain popularity. The incoming president, President Buhari was heavily supported by a foreign government and one of the first missions was to terminate our contract.

“We were told it was the United States and they had actually funded President Buhari’s campaign and the campaign manager for President Buhari came from the US.

“I’m not saying the United States is bad, I understand foreign interests but I’d have thought that a threat like Boko Haram on the integrity of Nigeria ought to be a priority but it wasn’t.”

When asked why the US allegedly aborted the mission, he said: “I think the US can answer that, I have come to realise that when a foreign interest clashes with a state’s interest and domestic interest, conflict is bound to ensue and those conflicts continue with no end.”

Barlow added that the federal government would be in the right position to disclose how much they were paid for the operation.

Know what you are getting into

https://sendvid.com/v2r07d2d

QuadrilAyinde:
Col Eeben Barlow ( a veteran commander in the apartheid-era South African Defence Forces, who led a team of mercenaries who were back in 2015 Hired by President Goodluck Jonathan in the wake of the Chibok schoolgirl abduction) said:

"It is sad that the President Buhari preferred defeat above victory, as SOLDIERS CAN ONLY DO WHAT THEY ARE TRAINED, EQUIPPED, AND LED TO DO."...

This simply means that THE MERCENARIES AREN'T TOO AFFECTED BY THE 1949 GENEVA CONVENTION RESTRICTIONS....

right 4rm the beginning i had said these govt guys aint serious as such & desperate to crush boko @ all cost after viewing 9ja govt actions over a long period of time.
What u seeing nw has all played out in the past b4......some would be used as slaughter lambs 1st b4 a courageous political leader arises & makes bold moves without giving a damn abt consequences. 4nw as we hv misfits in decision making, the slaughtering continues....
I am aware of the actions of jonas govt b4 dat elections, during postponement of election & buharis move immediately he got power as to restrict the war to a Nigerian Army affair! na why i intentionally asked (hw come mercenaries are far more effective dealing with boko than 9ja army?)
i hv even seen Chadians use AA to battle boko sef! if u want to win sometimes u cant play by the enemies rule!
What those ''2 knuckle head leaders'' didnt & dont realise is the longer this war lasts, the more vulnerable it exposes the country to pressure wey dey already! Now covid is here adding a new dimension to pressure!

ugo4u:
Why it seems PMC especially Revenant coy were kinda more effective is because they are given everything they need including a dedicated air support fleet which includes Gazelle helicopter, Eurocopter and Mi 17. There is nothing special Eeben Barlow does that the NA can't do, if they are spoilt with equipment Eeben and 72MSF enjoyed bokoharam would have being since be forgotten. They all have the REVA MRAPs, dedicated air wings, enjoyed gunships and airstrike when ever and how ever they needed it.
These are the capabilities he enjoyed, Give the army their own dedicated air wing/attack helicopters, equip them well. Make MRAPs are basic means of transport for all troops and you’ll see that BHT will dare not to attack our military convoys any how again.

Do those rugged chadians have all that? i am jst curious bro

damibjs:
Little sis has passion for the job...nice one. Academy for girls no be child's play....if u indid understand very well.

My advice is....she should join the Navy or air force truu recruitment(ssce) den do a part time skoling..after she is truu wit her degree she should apply for DSSC....its beta DAT way bro.

For NDA female....the slot no be WASA

Message acknowledged!
It's alright bro, thanks for your response.

sleuthhound:
Do those rugged chadians have all that? i am jst curious bro

LET'S ASSUME the Nigerian Army CANNOT AFFORD fighter jets or helicopters that will sweep the area before ground troops arrive. Maybe they have helicopters and fighter jets but don't want to sacrifice them on every mission...there are alternatives!

What are our alternatives?.... DRONES.... Yes, since the government doesn't want to sacrifice the few jets and helicopters we have on ground, we can always use Drones for aerial support.

Again, I'd like to assume the worst case scenario, SO NIGERIA CAN'T AFFORD A DRONE LIKE THE ONE THE USA USED IN TAKING OUT GENERAL SOLEMANI OF IRAN (Armed with Automatic guns, missiles and night vision

This way even if the enemy spots the drone, their location would already be given away, leaving them with TWO OPTIONS: SPLIT OR TAKE THE DRONE DOWN. IN ANY EVENT, THE OPERATOR WOULD HAVE SEEN THE ENEMY AND ALERTED THE UNIT, THIS WAY, THEY ARE PREPARED FOR WHAT IS TO COME.

If they have to man defensive positions or reach out to the nearest base for support or backup, they now have the upper hand as the enemy has lost the element of surprise

QuadrilAyinde:
LET'S ASSUME the Nigerian Army CANNOT AFFORD fighter jets or helicopters that will sweep the area before ground troops arrive. Maybe they have helicopters and fighter jets but don't want to sacrifice them on every mission...there are alternatives!

What are our alternatives?.... DRONES.... Yes, since the government doesn't want to sacrifice the few jets and helicopters we have on ground, we can always use Drones for aerial support.

Again, I'd like to assume the worst case scenario, SO NIGERIA CAN'T AFFORD A DRONE LIKE THE ONE THE USA USED IN TAKING OUT GENERAL SOLEMANI OF IRAN (Armed with Automatic guns, missiles and night vision).

ANY DRONE WILL DO AS LONG AS IT HAS A CAMERA OR CAMCORDER. Since most camera drones are low-cost (believe me I've done my research and found out the prices of these drones range from $50-$3000) and come with their own control stick, anyone can operate these valuable assets.

This way even if the enemy spots the drone, their location would already be given away, leaving them with TWO OPTIONS: SPLIT OR TAKE THE DRONE DOWN. IN ANY EVENT, THE OPERATOR WOULD HAVE SEEN THE ENEMY AND ALERTED THE UNIT, THIS WAY, THEY ARE PREPARED FOR WHAT IS TO COME.

If they have to man defensive positions or reach out to the nearest base for support or backup, they now have the upper hand as the enemy has lost the element of surprise

lol bro you want to use commercial drones to do what? Do you know the fly limit of these drones, I have a drone and I can tell you that it won’t do much really and they are basically flying targets with the noise they make while flying! This is my drone that I bought from amazon! You can’t use these for strategic military play! They sell these to kids as toys bro
I’ve not even used it in 3 months Cos why!! It’s just to fly and relax!

QuadrilAyinde:
What are our alternatives?.... DRONES.... Yes, since the government doesn't want to sacrifice the few jets and helicopters we have on ground, we can always use Drones for aerial support.

Again, I'd like to assume the worst case scenario, SO NIGERIA CAN'T AFFORD A DRONE LIKE THE ONE THE USA USED IN TAKING OUT GENERAL SOLEMANI OF IRAN (Armed with Automatic guns, missiles and night vision).

ANY DRONE WILL DO AS LONG AS IT HAS A CAMERA OR CAMCORDER.

bro i understand drones will do but nt any drone as such cos it wouldnt be worth it..dese r toys...if dem drones aint armed & long distance reaching den 4get it!! My opinion is time is a factor...truth is Nigeria cant do dis alone cos dey r poorly kitted & equipped 4dis kind warfare..all d lies or bragging wouldnt help...seeking outside help even if its 2 put foreign boots on ground+ tools here will do alot of good while employing changes to our policing structure simultaneously cos as it is, u can see ur northwest & central is showing obvious failure in implementing changes...the change dey only see na dem "amnesty" 4criminals lol

sikowitz17:
lol bro you want to use commercial drones to do what? Do you know the fly limit of these drones, I have a drone and I can tell you that it won’t do much really and they are basically flying targets with the noise they make while flying! This is my drone that I bought from amazon! You can’t use these for strategic military play! They sell these to kids as toys bro
I’ve not even used it in 3 months Cos why!! It’s just to fly and relax!

My brother, Trust me, I honestly understand ur point.. My submission is that DRONES are just a Realistic alternative to Very expensive fighter jets... Haba Nah which Ignoramus Battle commander will now Deploy a COMMERCIAL DRONE in the Frontline... Nah Military Grade Drones I dey refer to oo... Drones like (TAI Anka, MQ-5B hunter, CAIG Wing Loong II, MQ-1C Gray Eagle etc etc)

Though It needs no Argument b4 knowing that THESE DRONES aren't Cost Friendly by Direct Purchase, and THIS IS WHY SOMEONE LIKE ME HAVE BEEN CLAMOURING FOR THE REVITALIZATION OF LOCALLY AVAILABLE ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS..

(FOR EXAMPLE) :::: AN ATTACK on Russian forces in Syria on January 5th 2018 by 13 HOME-MADE DRONES is a good example of “asymmetric” warfare. On one side, it Involved EXQUISITE HIGH-TECH WEAPONS. On the other, it also involves CHEAP-AS-CHIPS DISPOSABLE ROBOT AIRCRAFT. Ten of the drones involved attacked a Russian airbase at Khmeimim. They had three-metre wingspans, and WERE BUILT CRUDELY OF WOOD AND PLASTICS, AND WERE POWERED BY LAWNMOWER ENGINES. Each carried ten home-made shrapnel grenades under its wings.)

I want to believe that THE NIGERIAN ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS AND THEIR AIRFORCE COUNTERPART SHOULD BE ABLE TO COME UP WITH DESIGNING AND FABRICATING A NIGERIAN-MADE MILITARY GRADE UAV/DRONE provided THEY ARE BOTH SERIOUS AS REGARFS ENDING THIS BOKO BOYS MADNESS

sleuthhound:
bro i understand drones will do but nt any drone as such cos it wouldnt be worth it..dese r toys...if dem drones aint armed & long distance reaching den 4get it!! My opinion is time is a factor...truth is Nigeria cant do dis alone cos dey r poorly kitted & equipped 4dis kind warfare..all d lies or bragging wouldnt help...seeking outside help even if its 2 put foreign boots on ground+ tools here will do alot of good while employing changes to our policing structure simultaneously cos as it is, u can see ur northwest & central is showing obvious failure in implementing changes...the change dey only see na dem "amnesty" 4criminals lol

Even though I seem to understand Y buhari cancled the Mercenaries' contract back then (Our GrandPa felt it kinda sound Embarrassing for a Country Like 9ja to seek the physical presence of External Assistance while we have our indigenous Armed forces..Lol)

But even at that, My own question now is that CAN'T THE 9JA ARMED FORCES AUTHORITY SEEK FOR COUNSEL AND GUIDANCE FROM COUNTRIES THAT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ELIMINATE INSURGENCY IN THEIR LAND IN THE PAST??

Anyone heard d latest news? House of Rep wants to replace d 1 year NYSC scheme with 1 year of Military service

AirmanB:
Anyone heard d latest news? House of Rep wants to replace d 1 year NYSC scheme to 1 year of Military service

lol a house of rep member suggested it! It will never fly in this country

QuadrilAyinde:
Even though I seem to understand Y buhari cancled the Mercenaries' contract back then (Our GrandPa felt it kinda sound Embarrassing for a Country Like 9ja to seek the physical presence of External Assistance while we have our indigenous Armed forces..Lol)

But even at that, My own question now is that CAN'T THE 9JA ARMED FORCES AUTHORITY SEEK FOR COUNSEL AND GUIDANCE FROM COUNTRIES THAT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ELIMINATE INSURGENCY IN THEIR LAND IN THE PAST??

lmao....wetin pride wey "granpa" carry 4 head don achieve nw? Absolutely zero...nw his own state pple r being slaughtered dem con use dem police arrest&suppress protest out of fear of d unknown! U can imagine what pple(typical Nigerians) would say if d leader we have nw is 4rm SE or SW with dese killings! (remember hw jona was painted by nyako)
COUNSEL AND GUIDANCE without necessary/timely tools & boots to effectively execute missions is a waste of time&lives!

The way I see it, the terrorists just don't fear the Nigerian Army like they do the BIR or the Chadian Army.

SpecialAgent:
The way I see it, the terrorists just don't fear the Nigerian Army like they do the BIR or the Chadian Army.

thats not true baba! Chad launched 1 offensive!! I this was done inside the Chadian mountains and not Nigeria! They simply cleaned house and it made the news
A friend told me that whenever they are on the offensive, the bandits run into the Chadian mountains to hide and they cannot continue pursue cos it’s another country’s problem!! If Nigeria marched troops to that mountain, it’d have been the same result Cos some fractions of boko haram stay there! Our army is still one of them most fared f or ground Attack in AFRICA! You know how many cadets come from sister African countries to do their regular course in nda! The Nigerian navy sbs still trains some countries special forces till date!

When it comes to counter insurgency and desert warfare the Chadians are the best and most battle tested warriors in the entire Sub-saharan region, they even defeated Ghadafi's army. They've being fighting insurgency for almost 40yrs while we just started about 10yrs ago, that's why they have more experience and are rugged in that terrain (desert) they too suffer heavy losses from Bokoharam sometimes but overall their campaign has being impressive.
When Buhari was GOC he chased this same Chadians when they occupied some islands in our territory, just like a blitzkrieg he routed their troops and entered 40km into Chad, and was heading for the capital till his superior commander called off the raid. Chadians are no match to the Nigerian army in a conventional warfare.
They have their strengths and weaknesses same for us.

sikowitz17:
thats not true baba! Chad launched 1 offensive!! I this was done inside the Chadian mountains and not Nigeria! They simply cleaned house and it made the news
A friend told me that whenever they are on the offensive, the bandits run into the Chadian mountains to hide and they cannot continue pursue cos it’s another country’s problem!! If Nigeria marched troops to that mountain, it’d have been the same result Cos some fractions of boko haram stay there! Our army is still one of them most fared f or ground Attack in AFRICA! You know how many cadets come from sister African countries to do their regular course in nda! The Nigerian navy sbs still trains some countries special forces till date!

u mixed up some things bro....chad has had more than one offensive on boko in fact they hv fought boko & held territories in nigeria b4 when they crossed malam fatori& gamboru ngala, 2nd is chad doesnt have mountains dere its cameroon/nigerian border with dem mandara mts (controlled by shekau faction), the chad lake region is where the dreaded iswap faction held, slaughtered soldiers & masterminded the dapchi stuff b4 chad said enough is enough!!
In terms of dem mountains, u cant really march troops dere to fight o, if u wanna succeed it beta u use more of drones, apaches & air-bombs to soften targets 1st if not u go hear am!
On the bolded, bros lets be sincere & lets stop living in past glory claims of ''best''....yes i am a patriotic Nigerian but Nigeria started boko haram, Nigeria escalated boko haram, Nigerian territories hosts more of boko haram, & boko has killed more of Nigerians yet d most feared is still fighting 11yrs after! My guy d only best dem dey at na lying & killing policemen
https://www.euronews.com/2015/04/16/fighting-boko-haram-chad-aims-to-destroy-militant-group

sikowitz17:
thats not true baba! Chad launched 1 offensive!! I this was done inside the Chadian mountains and not Nigeria! They simply cleaned house and it made the news
A friend told me that whenever they are on the offensive, the bandits run into the Chadian mountains to hide and they cannot continue pursue cos it’s another country’s problem!! If Nigeria marched troops to that mountain, it’d have been the same result Cos some fractions of boko haram stay there! Our army is still one of them most fared f or ground Attack in AFRICA! You know how many cadets come from sister African countries to do their regular course in nda! The Nigerian navy sbs still trains some countries special forces till date!

Me, na what I heard from civilians when I was in baga a few years back.

sleuthhound:
u mixed up some things bro....chad has had more than one offensive on boko in fact they hv fought boko & held territories in nigeria b4 when they crossed gamboru ngala, 2nd is chad doesnt have mountains dere its cameroon/nigerian border with dem mandara mts (controlled by shekau faction), the chad lake region is where the dreaded iswap faction held, slaughtered soldiers & masterminded the dapchi stuff b4 chad said enough is enough!!
In terms of dem mountains, u cant really march troops dere to fight o, if u wanna succeed it beta u use more of drones, apaches & air-bombs to soften targets 1st if not u go hear am!
On the bolded, bros lets be sincere & lets stop living in past glory claims of ''best''....yes i am a patriotic Nigerian but Nigeria started boko haram, Nigeria escalated boko haram, Nigerian territories hosts more of boko haram, & boko has killed more of Nigerians yet d most feared is still fighting 11yrs after! My guy d only best dem dey at na lying & killing policemen

Most feared my ass

People living on past glory

Army has been decimated by Boko Haram and your service chiefs don't give a Bleep

Most mediocre is more like it

The UN Development Program lists 46 of Africa's 54 countries as "sub-Saharan", excluding ALGERIA,
DJIBOUTI, EGYPT, LIBYA, MOROCCO, SOMALIA, SUDAN and TUNISIA.

And According to the Global firepower Ranking 2020, NIGERIA is the 2nd Strongest And Battle-Tested Military in the SubSahara Africa, with South Africa Topping the List

ugo4u:
When it comes to counter insurgency and desert warfare the Chadians are the best and most battle tested warriors in the entire Sub-saharan region, they even defeated Ghadafi's

You are right on the desert Analogy though Coz The Chadian Armed Forces were able to deploy on short notice 2,000 desert-trained troops to engage militant Islamist forces in the Adrar des Ifoghas region in northern Mali during the 2012 multinational intervention.

To know more about Some Counterinsurgency Victories that has been Recorded historically so far, I'd recommend anyone that is interested in knowing more to go and read the following...

Nicaragua (Somoza), 1978–1979

Afghanistan (Anti-Soviet), 1978–1992

Kampuchea, 1978–1992

El Salvador, 1979–1992

Somalia, 1980–1991

Peru, 1980–1992

Nicaragua (Contras), 1981–1990

Senegal 1982 - 2002

Turkey (PKK), 1984–1999

Sudan (SPLA), 1984–2004

Uganda (ADF), 1986–2000

Papua New Guinea, 1988–1998

Liberia, 1989–1997

Rwanda, 1990 - 1994

Moldova, 1990–1992

Sierra Leone, 1991 - 2002

Algeria (GIA), 1992–2004

Croatia, 1992–1995

Afghanistan (Post-Soviet), 1992–1996

Tajikistan, 1992–1997

Georgia/Abkhazia, 1992–1994

Nagorno-Karabakh, 1992–1994

Bosnia, 1992 - 1995

Burundi, 1993–2003

Chechnya I, 1994–1996

Afghanistan (Taliban), 1996–2001

Zaire (Anti-Mobutu), 1996–1997

Kosovo, 1996 - 1999

Nepal, 1997–2006

Democratic Republic of the Congo (Anti-Kabila), 1998–2003

QuadrilAyinde:
The UN Development Program lists 46 of Africa's 54 countries as "sub-Saharan", excluding ALGERIA,
DJIBOUTI, EGYPT, LIBYA, MOROCCO, SOMALIA, SUDAN and TUNISIA.

And According to the Global firepower Ranking 2020, NIGERIA is the 2nd Strongest And Battle-Tested Military in the SubSahara Africa, with South Africa Topping the List

oga where dem kuku hide d firepower put na? ur pple r being slaughtered ...ranking doesnt equate as to victory/success on battle front...its timely tactics, motivation/support & appropriate firepower...u remember ur david & Goliath story & u can study how ur very powerful Egypt was made to look stupid by struggling Israel during dem 6-day war.....moreover do u have any of those ur top ranked african countries having idps, insurgents running dis riot & maiming civilians & soldiers like we do? dnt get me wrong i sabi egypt & Algeria hv little pockets of insurgents

sleuthhound:
oga where dem kuku hide d firepower put na? ur pple r being slaughtered

GlobalFirepower (GFP) is a Trusted website that tracks military strength, and has provided a unique analytical display of data concerning 138 modern military powers. The GFP ranking is based on each nation's potential war-making capability across land, sea, and air fought by conventional means.

Blueelf:
Most feared my ass

People living on past glory

Army has been decimated by Boko Haram and your service chiefs don't give a Bleep

Most mediocre is more like it

lol...where is dat ur ass ...i actually dont agree with u on the bolded but if u say struggling to overcome, fine!!
If na service chiefs, dnt blame dem, they r a reflection of political leadership we have....most times reactive & nt proactive in thinking & approach

DaKaptain:
MY EXPERIENCE AT THE NIGERIAN ARMY SHORT SERVICE COMBATANT COURSE 46/2020 SELECTION BOARD. . .

It has always been a thing of Passion and Admiration for me to join The Nigerian Army since my Childhood days. As I was growing up, that passion grew with me. Although I never went to any Military School or The Academy, (It was on my mind, but through guidance from a lot of people, I was advised to complete my Tertiary Education first) I kept the Dream and was looking forward to when I would apply. The chance came in 2018, then I applied for the Short Service Course (I had done a lot of Research about SSC and DSSC, coupled with various Consultations, I then concluded that SSC was best for me). I was so optimistic and certain that I would be selected to the extent that I sew my Navy blue shorts from a Tailor and was also exercising daily despite the nature of my job (Factory Worker). The list came out, I wasn’t selected and I was really depressed. I pulled myself together and continued living.
I applied when the form came out last year and wasn’t as optimistic as before. It was my friend who rang to inform me that my name was shortlisted. To be honest here, I wasn’t excited. I was having doubts whether to attend Screening or not (for a lot of reasons I cannot explain right now). I made Spiritual Consultations and was told to proceed.
On 22nd November, 2019, I boarded a Vehicle going to Kano from Abuja and alighted opposite the Screening Venue (Ribadu Cantonment, Old Nigerian Defence Academy Site, Kaduna). I stayed at the Entrance for a while and was observing the environs. I watched as my Fellow Candidates were moving around, some were purchasing things they would need at the venue and others hanging around. I saw Candidates wearing their White and Blue Salalas before entering the main gate; I decided I was going to wear mine inside the venue. As I passed the Soldiers at the gate, I was called back and told that if I was for the screening then I needed to wear my salala before entering. I obeyed (who was I never to anyway?).
I then took took a bike to the Quarter Guard. Here, we were being received by Military men in uniforms and muftis. My traveling bag was scrutinized for any prohibited items like sharp objects, etc. thereafter I entered my name in the paper made available for my state and then joined the others in sitting inside the sun, waiting for when our states would be attended to. Since it was 19 states that was expected for the second batch of the screening, the states were arranged alphabetically (4 states per officer for documentation). Also, Chest Numbers were issued to everyone here (This is a Semi-Apron-Like royal blue tag consisting a two-lettered abbreviation of your state of origin and number. Throughout the exercise, this chest numbers substituted our names. You would hear things like; “Zamfara 30, jump up” and so on and so forth). We were 38 out of 60 that came in my state, with a single female. Throughout the Screening, there was a high level of orderliness that was maintained. Kudos to the Board members and the Nigerian Army!
The Screening Board Members consisted of a Major-General (The President of the Board), a Brigadier-General, 2 Colonels, A Lieutenant-Colonel (who was the Board Secretary), 2 Majors, 3 Captains (one of them was the Administrative Officer) and a Lieutenant. (I can’t remember the rest members now).
We were shown to our respective hostels where we would be staying throughout the exercise (Just few days to the end of the screening, we were moved to another accommodation because of the officers that came for the Chief of Army Staff Conference). We were also fed thrice daily for the whole of the exercise.
The first stage of the screening was the evaluation of our credentials to ascertain whether the Army’s criterion was met. Here, discrepancies in result, age, or any forged documents were detected. A lot of candidates were disqualified on this basis.
The second stage was the “Almighty” Medical evaluation. The reason I call it “Almighty” is because more than half of the candidates were usually evicted at this stage for various medical conditions that are not acceptable according to the standards of the Nigerian Army.
X-RAY: The medical examinations were done in batches. For my own state, we first went to the Medical Reception Station for our X-Ray. We were made to pull our shirts, stand in front of the machine and asked to breathe. Within minutes, the film of the X-Ray was ready. This process was very fast. Some people were reviewed for this stage.
The next stage was done at the 1 Division hospital, New NDA site. Candidates were conveyed by luxurious buses and military escorts to the hospital. As we alighted from the bus, we were made to sit down in the sun according to our states and by our chest numbers. The Lieutenant-Colonel in charge of the Medicals came to address us. He asked us to stand on our feet and then as he was moving around, he wrote down the chest numbers of some candidates (Someone later said he was noting people for heights, others said it was to see the “young” old men in our midst).
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY (ECG): This is the first test we did when we entered the hospital. We were made to lie down on the bed facing up, then some medical cables were placed at strategic positions on our bodies. The test lasted for about 5 to 7 minutes per candidate. We were made to then write down our chest number, age and signature on the test result sheet and submit it immediately.
DENTALS: This test was meant to note the numbers of our teeth, its alignment and also grip. Like the Lieutenant-Colonel told us when we were outside, he said that the NA didn’t want to employ officers who when they smile, people be like “which kain teeth this soldier get like this”? LoL…
EYE TEST (FAR & SHORT SIGHT): Candidates were made to read letters from a chart placed at about 15 to 20 meters away from us. We were also made to read out large letters printed in coloured patterns placed centimeters from us. These tests were to detect those that have colour blindness and other eye problems.
BLOOD & URINE TESTS: Here, our blood and urine samples were collected into various tubes of varying sizes. People with HIV, Hepatitis B, drug use history and so on were also detected here. Before this, the Military Photographer took our Passport Photographs.
BODY MASS INDEX (BMI): After taking off our shoes, our height, weight and chest diameter were measured. The readings (excluding the chest measurement) were used to calculate our BMI. NA’s BMI standard is from 18.5 to 29.5. The BMI is calculated thus: Your Weight divided by the Square of your height.
BLOOD PRESSURE TEST: Our BP was examined. A lot of candidates were also disqualified at this stage due to anxiety. One key I used was to remain as calm as though I was sleeping. No rushing thoughts or thoughts that could make your heart pump blood faster than it should. People were also reviewed based on this.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: We were asked to strip naked, stand straight, turn our heads left and right. We also spread out our arms. All these were to check for posture, body inscriptions,etc. Our BP was re-checked here also. I can remember the Doctor telling me before checking “Calm down, calm down, calm down. Nigerian Army is not a do or die affair. Toh”. LoL.. The sole of our feet was also checked for flat foot. I was flagged here for having a “First Degree Flat Foot”. The Doctor that examined me told me not to worry, that I would be reviewed. I remember after I was outside the Medical facility, I googled Flat Foot and found out that there were varying degrees ranging from 1st to 3rd, with 3rd being the worst. I later passed the review though. Our anus was also checked for pile. We were asked to grab our buttocks, bend down and cough out to detect whether we had pile or not.
The Medical examination took about 5 days altogether with reviews. We then did Psychology tests. This was a set of questions to know our mental state and alcohol or drug history. The Psychology test involved written and oral. The oral test for my state was conducted by a female Captain.
APTITUDE TEST: We all wrote the test in the Cadets Mess. We were divided into batches since the hall couldn’t contain everyone.
The aptitude test entailed 4 sections:
2 essays; (WHY YOU WANT TO JOIN THE NIGERIAN ARMY?) 20 marks and not less than 500 words.
(WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN ORDER TO STOP THE USE OF HARD DRUGS?) 30 marks and not less than 400 words.
10 English questions
10 Mathematics questions
30 current affairs questions
The test took about one and a half hours after which we were ordered out and another batch came in.
As the days went by, each was seared with one memory or the other. We were all anxiously waiting for the results of the medical screening. Even before then, a few candidates “dashed”. This is a term used for those who decide to end the screening abruptly on their own terms. LoL…
The D-Day came, there was tension in the air. We all sat down inside the Biu Bulama Drill Shed waiting for the arrival of the board members. When they finally came, the tension increased. The board president took the microphone and was dishing out some words of encouragement to us. He then began calling out those who were evicted on medical grounds. He did this by calling out the chest numbers. He would say “Kano”, they would respond “yes sir!”. He would then begin to call out the numbers “01, 03, 15, 60”, etc. As he called out the numbers for each state, we (including himself who later noted this) all noticed that the numbers 01 and 60 were the most called numbers in each state. Omo come see where guys dey fear for numbers. As I sat down, I was praying and hoping not to hear my number. He called the number before me and paused (Boy, that nearly “killed” me. I was like ‘is this it?’), then the jumped my number. Imagine my joy! Summarily, more than half of about 766 candidates were evicted. Some candidates even spent days in the guardroom due to certificate forgery. Those who were dropped for medical reasons were told the exact reason. We had been told to come with our luggage to the parade ground prior to this eviction. It was a mixed feeling after the announcements.
FACING THE BOARD: The next stage after the medical eviction was facing the board. There is usually a saying that those who face the board have 90% chance of being enlisted, I don’t know how true that is. If there is anything I found out about this Selection Board, it is that they love to take people by surprise. We experienced a lot of that throughout the screening process. After the medical eviction, the board secretary told those of us that were not evicted to be ready to face the board two days later. Alas, it was another trick up the sleeves of the board! The following morning, we were all sitting up inside the Biu Bulama Shed when it was suddenly announced that we would start facing board that very morning. Imagine the surprise in the faces of the candidates. I had to hustle to get my hair cut by a barber waiting behind the shed where lots of candidates were waiting for their turn (this very act of barbing my hair was later commended by the board president). Starting alphabetically with Kaduna state, the candidates were arranged into a small hall with about 10 to 12 chairs. 3 candidates were also positioned strategically outside this hall leading to the room where the selection board members were seated. As the person sitting outside the board’s room waited, a bell would be rung inside signifying that the candidate could come in. The other two candidates outside the hall would now fill the vacant chair. Such was the arrangement.
As I was sitting on the chair outside the board’s room, I became nervous. Then I quickly reminded myself that it was just a mere interview and that I wouldn’t die if I wasn’t picked. Still deep in these thoughts, I heard the bell “grrrrrrnnnnnn”. I sighed, stood up, knocked the door and went in. I had never faced the Selection Board before, I was expecting to see a large number of officers in the room. I think they were about 15 or thereabout. I didn’t have time to count. I smiled and remembered what I had already planned to do (the RSM had given us a hint that we should salute the board when we entered). I saluted him saying “afternoon sir”, he replied with a smile “afternoon, sit down”. When I was entering, he was already telling me to sit down (There was this story of a girl who faced the board in the previous exercise, entering the room and sitting down when in fact no one had asked her to! She was sent out immediately). Manners Maketh Man… Again, the board president asked me to sit down, I obeyed. A Major among the board asked if I was a soldier, I told him I wasn’t. Another one asked me about my degree. As I was entering the room initially, the board secretary was reading my details to the hearing of everyone. Also, my credentials were distributed across the room. It was in that room that I learnt that my score in the aptitude test was 62%. Like I said earlier, the board president asked me when I barbed my hair and also commended it. Funny enough, I wasn’t quizzed anything about my course of study (I remember candidates checking Google and reading all sorts about their course of study in order not to be mute when probably asked by the board). The president told me I could leave. I stood up and thanked him.
We were 16 that faced the board. The single female that came was evicted on medical grounds. She was later recalled due to mix up in the medical results which later made the total number of candidates that faced the board in my state to be 17.
THE 3.2KM RACE, OBSTACLE CROSSING & GROUP CHALLENGE
The 3.2km race was slated for the following day, early in the morning. The female candidates were given a head start of about 10 minutes. The race was flagged off by the board president. I had already practiced this race back at home using the ADIDAS RUNNING application to track my distance. This coupled with various doubling up and down in the venue helped me a lot. As I watched candidates before me running as if it was a 50 meters race, I ignored the intimidation and maintained my own pace steadily. Those that completed the race within 18 minutes were placed in the FIRST BOX with 15 marks. I made this box to the glory of God (We were told earlier on that after scaling medicals, all activities were going to be awarded marks). Those in the SECOND BOX were given 12 marks, those in the THIRD, FOURTH and FIFTH BOXES were given 10, 7 and 5 marks respectively.
The obstacle crossing was a set of obstacles that the candidates were required to overcome in a particular way after we had been given demonstrations on how to complete them by one of the Physical Training Soldiers. We were shown the correct and wrong ways to complete all the obstacles, so getting it right was a matter of how well each candidate was able to remember the demos.
The group challenge was 3 different scenarios and objectives meant to be completed by the candidates after we had been grouped in 6’s. Correct execution without breaking the rules earned each candidate 5 marks.
After completing the group challenge, we went to submit out chest numbers and were dismissed. I stayed back till the following day. As I was leaving the screening venue, several thoughts rushed through my mind. Even as I am typing this and awaiting the final list, I have decided to accept my fate and believe that no matter what happens, God always have numerous plans for me. Like I will always say, “I am not a vagabond; my presence on earth is not a mistake. I must fulfill destiny”.
Dear readers, never give up on your dreams. Life might not go exactly according to your plan but always remember that when there is life, there is much hope. Keep trying, don’t stop.
God bless You. God bless Me. God bless The Nigerian Army. God bless Nigeria. One Love. . . . . . . .

Jst a revision for our new members

Ramirezsarki:
Depends on the person screening your credentials, some may overlook it but like the woman wey screen mine, she go write say no FSLC, person wey dy complain say why my bvn printout no carry my phone number

So were you bounced for this?

Sometimes you people flaw the Nigerian military too much! Even the almighty us navy and marines still suffer deeply in the hands of talibans. Their basic training is 6 weeks! 6 weeks mhen Cos you are in a hurry to go to Iraq to die! Out military is trying walai! I’ve seen officers and men fight for days without food or water! But no way to push this narrative to the average Nigerian! It’s when our soldiers die that the news carries it!

sikowitz17:
Sometimes you people flaw the Nigerian military too much! Even the almighty us navy and marines still suffer deeply in the hands of talibans. [b]Their basic training is 6 weeks! 6 weeks mhen [/b]Cos you are in a hurry to go to Iraq to die! Out military is trying walai! I’ve seen officers and men fight for days without food or water! But no way to push this narrative to the average Nigerian! It’s when our soldiers die that the news carries it!

Incorrect


The US army has 9 week Basic training while the marines train for 13 weeks

After the basic training(boot camp) recruits the proceed to specialized schools for further training. E.g. infrantry, artillery, armour, signals, medical etc

For the US marines however, after the 13 week basic training, all recruits (irrespective of which military arm they will serve under) proceed to the BAsic Infantry school at Quantico Virginia. Hence the marine creed that says " Every US marine is a rifle man"

And even though they suffer losses, it's not as humiliating as that of the Nigerian Army. They have air support and drone surveillance(not toy drones ooo). Also, their soldiers are only allowed a tour of max 9 months after which they go back to see their families(I heard so NA soldiers have been fighting Boko Harm for 5 years straight). The US military sticks to R & R rules for their troops (Rest & Relaxation) to keep them fit and reduce the after effects of PTSD.

Please never ever compare the Nigerian military to the US military.

Blueelf:
Incorrect


The US army has 9 week Basic training while the marines train for 13 weeks

After the basic training(boot camp) recruits the proceed to specialized schools for further training. E.g. infrantry, artillery, armour, signals, medical etc

For the US marines however, after the 13 week basic training, all recruits (irrespective of which military arm they will serve under) proceed to the BAsic Infantry school at Quantico Virginia. Hence the marine creed that says " Every US marine is a rifle man"

And even though they suffer losses, it's not as humiliating as that of the Nigerian Army. They have air support and drone surveillance(not toy drones ooo). Also, their soldiers are only allowed a tour of max 9 months after which they go back to see their families(I heard so NA soldiers have been fighting Boko Harm for 5 years straight). The US military sticks to R & R rules for their troops (Rest & Relaxation) to keep them fit and reduce the after effects of PTSD.

Please never ever compare the Nigerian military to the US military.

like I said, the is navy basic military training is 6 weeks! Army and marines take longer! And besides a us soldiers tour can last up to 3/4 years as well!! That’s how come soldiers come home and their kids are already 5 years! It’s the same way some officers only serve in maiduguri for 2 years or less and are sent out! Some soldiers are affected by something they call “1bai” I don’t know how to spell it! It’s a situation where a soldier is quickly drafted to the NE for emergencies while it still shows he’s serving in his previous location! If a general shuffle comes and he’s now posted to the NE he has to continue there Cos his posting there just started! I know 2 people that we’re affected by this! Thereby staying there for much longer than necessary

sikowitz17:
like I said, the is navy basic military training is 6 weeks! Army and marines take longer! And besides a us soldiers tour can last up to 3/4 years as well!! That’s how come soldiers come home and their kids are already 5 years! It’s the same way some officers only serve in maiduguri for 2 years or less and are sent out! Some soldiers are affected by something they call “1bai” I don’t know how to spell it! It’s a situation where a soldier is quickly drafted to the NE for emergencies while it still shows he’s serving in his previous location! If a general shuffle comes and he’s now posted to the NE he has to continue there Cos his posting there just started! I know 2 people that we’re affected by this! Thereby staying there for much longer than necessary

Oga, it doesn't take 4 -5 yrs striaght. Even their special forces don't take more than a year on tour. Show me a source that says their tour takes 4 to 5 years straight . And we are talking about Land military and not Navy. Stop trying to bring the US military to a level of mediocrity to justify the nonsense that the Nigerian Army has become

The US military will take over Nigeria in 5 days max (in the event of an invasion)