₦airaland Forum

Welcome, Guest: RegisterLoginWith GoogleTrendingRecentNew

Stats: 3,325,727 members, 8,423,457 topics. Date: Tuesday, 09 June 2026 at 06:33 PM

Toggle theme

Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army - Politics (2) - Nairaland

Nairaland ForumNairaland GeneralPoliticsWhy There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army (3543 Views)

1 2 Reply (Go Down)

Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by theFilmtric: 12:53pm On Feb 01, 2021
nairalandankrah:
Lols..if getting slaughtered by boko haram is what you call a train, my dear, southerners just dodged a death trap....enjoy your train
cheesy cheesy grin cheesy lipsrsealed

theFilmtricsay
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by theFilmtric: 12:57pm On Feb 01, 2021
thebosstrevor1:
One sided story.

There was a war and in war people die...no war is peaceful.

The igbo people did had their army to defend their people and they also committed lot of atrocities in asaba and port harcourt.

[s]Now if you join the terrorist group ESN, isnt it also the easier way to die?[/s]

Do you think the army is boyscout?
you seem like a buharist

theFilmtricsay
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by hater34: 1:11pm On Feb 01, 2021
Dedetwo:
Please read well before making sill comments. Northerners are not half smart as Igbo or Yoruba. Northerners did not play Ndigbo instead they cunningly convinced Yoruba and other southern minorities to join in a fight against Ndigbo and Biafrans. If the Yoruba and other southern minorities did join the northern region against the Biafrans, the war would not have last for six months.
Look at this half cast Jews from know where claiming northerners are not smart, northerners are not smart and we always lead you and think 10 steps ahead of the so called Igbo who think they are the best thing that happen after slice bread and butter. Northerners no smart but all una Governors and leaders dey seek our validation on every issues. Better no let hatred for northerners stop you from growing..
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by Dedetwo(m): 1:23pm On Feb 01, 2021
hater34:
Look at this half cast Jews from know where claiming northerners are not smart, northerners are not smart and we always lead you and think 10 steps ahead of the so called Igbo who think they are the best thing that happen after slice bread and butter. Northerners no smart but all una Governors and leaders dey seek our validation on every issues. Better no let hatred for northerners stop you from growing..
The bolded buttressed my point. I never wrote the northerners were not smart. However I shall reiterate based on western civilization at time in discuss, northerners were not as smart as Igbo or Yoruba. Northern region of Nigeria never had a trained medical doctor until 1940. It was fear of Igbo dominance of Nigerian military officers cadre that forced the government led by Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa to introduce nepotism into Nigerian armed forces which claimed his life. You wrote like a deluded ninny. Which governor seeks validation from northern region on every issue? By the way, I am neither a half cast nor a Jew.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by Nobody: 1:29pm On Feb 01, 2021
Dedetwo:
Please read well before making sill comments. Northerners are not half smart as Igbo or Yoruba. Northerners did not play Ndigbo instead they cunningly convinced Yoruba and other southern minorities to join in a fight against Ndigbo and Biafrans. If the Yoruba and other southern minorities did join the northern region against the Biafrans, the war would not have last for six months.
Continue hyping yourself.

Where are the biafran nation, dead and gone

Where are your fellow biafrans...in the nation called Nigeria.

How come you guys keep blaming northern army generals for everything wrong in the war.

If the Northerners weren't smart, the war would have been won by biafra but here you are in Nigeria claiming smart.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by Dedetwo(m): 1:34pm On Feb 01, 2021
thebosstrevor1:
Continue hyping yourself.

Where are the biafran nation, dead and gone

Where are your fellow biafrans...in the nation called Nigeria.

How come you guys keep blaming northern army generals for everything wrong in the war.

If the Northerners weren't smart, the war would have been won by biafra but here you are in Nigeria claiming smart.
Even the colonialists and bounty hunters that helped Nigeria during the war have reiterated the fact that northern region of Nigeria would have zero chance of wining an inch of restate in eastern region without external and internal help.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by Poloyanabo2(m): 1:36pm On Feb 01, 2021
thebosstrevor1:
Before the Nigerian Army became what is it today, it was formally called The Royal West African Frontier Force. This force was created by the British Colonial Office in 1900 to garrison the West African colonies of Nigeria, Gold Coast, Sierra Leone and Gambia. In 1928, it received royal recognition, becoming the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF).

Out of the Royal West African Force came the Northern and Southern Nigeria Regiment which eventually became the Nigerian Army.

After Nigeria got independence, the new Nigerian Army was open for all, applications were sent far and wide but guess what happened, many southerner politicians persuaded their people not to join the army, only the stubborn southerners joined. At the end of the day, northern applicants were more than southern applicants, because of the disparities in the number of applications between the North and the south, lot of public awareness about the Nigerian army were advertised on the radio, tv and newspaper, infact, army recruiters were sent to many southern villages and town but they all declined to join.

At the end of the day, many Northerners were recruited in the army leaving the south with very few soldiers. Because of lack of foresight from the southern politicians, they all missed the train.

Till today, southerners are still suffering from the effect of their lack of participation in the Nigerian army...this same effect is also seen in the Nigerian navy, airforce and police.

The lack of foresight from southern politicians will lead to the destruction of the south, presently, the south is experiencing a brain drain, at the end of the day, the north will get all those opportunities which brain drains took away.
You're absolutely right on this, and even till today the southern politicians are still not helping matters,
Can you imagine my community king that was an Air Commodore but couldn't help me enlist in the Airforce,
I can see many ignorant comments by southerners on this thread, they're yet to learn.
If you're not ready to die don't join the military and also don't cry injustice when Northerners occupy all positions in the military.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by hater34: 1:42pm On Feb 01, 2021
Dedetwo:
The bolded buttressed my point. I never wrote the northerners were not smart. However I shall reiterate based on western civilization at time in discuss, northerners were not as smart as Igbo or Yoruba. Northern region of Nigeria never had a trained medical doctor until 1940. It was fear of Igbo dominance of Nigerian military officers cadre that forced the government led by Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa to introduce nepotism into Nigerian armed forces which claimed his life. You wrote like a deluded ninny. Which governor seeks validation from northern region on every issue? By the way, I am neither a half cast nor a Jew.
Ur lord and saviour namadi KANU, who was spreading hate against the northerners, after realizing that northerners and half cast Jews from the republic of potopoto are not mate, he quickly made a u turn saying he is not against northerners but Fulani. As far Igbo exit in Nigeria, second class citizen is your calling...
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by OnlyDeCapPlease(m): 2:22pm On Feb 01, 2021
thebosstrevor1:
Before the Nigerian Army became what is it today, it was formally called The Royal West African Frontier Force. This force was created by the British Colonial Office in 1900 to garrison the West African colonies of Nigeria, Gold Coast, Sierra Leone and Gambia. In 1928, it received royal recognition, becoming the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF).

Out of the Royal West African Force came the Northern and Southern Nigeria Regiment which eventually became the Nigerian Army.

After Nigeria got independence, the new Nigerian Army was open for all, applications were sent far and wide but guess what happened, many southerner politicians persuaded their people not to join the army, only the stubborn southerners joined. At the end of the day, northern applicants were more than southern applicants, because of the disparities in the number of applications between the North and the south, lot of public awareness about the Nigerian army were advertised on the radio, tv and newspaper, infact, army recruiters were sent to many southern villages and town but they all declined to join.

At the end of the day, many Northerners were recruited in the army leaving the south with very few soldiers. Because of lack of foresight from the southern politicians, they all missed the train.

Till today, southerners are still suffering from the effect of their lack of participation in the Nigerian army...this same effect is also seen in the Nigerian navy, airforce and police.

The lack of foresight from southern politicians will lead to the destruction of the south, presently, the south is experiencing a brain drain, at the end of the day, the north will get all those opportunities which brain drains took away.
Hausa soldiers have always been more in the army right from colonial times. The British saw them as "warrior tribe" and they always showed extreme loyalty and extreme brutality in the field. Without the use of the Hausa soldier the British conquest of Nigeria would have been almost impossible.

Here's an excerpt from somewhere -

In British colonial Nigeria, the military was more heterogeneous than previously thought and British ideas about “martial races” changed depending on local reactions to recruiting. In the early twentieth century British officers saw the northern Hausa and southwestern Yoruba, who dominated the ranks, as civilized “martial races.” The Yoruba stopped enlisting given new prospects and protest, and southeasterners like the Igbo rejected recruiting given language difficulties and resistance. The British then perceived all southern Nigerians as lacking martial qualities. Although Hausa enlistment also declined with opportunities and religious objections, the inter-war army developed a northern ethos through Hausa language and the northern location of military institutions. The rank-and-file became increasingly diverse including northern and Middle Belt minorities, seen by the British as primitive warriors and as insurance against Muslim revolt, enlisting because of poverty. From 1930, military identities in Nigeria polarized with uneducated northern/Middle Belt infantry and literate southern technicians.

Some more facts/history -

Royal West African Frontier Force

The decision to raise this force was taken in 1897 because of British concern at French colonial expansion in territories bordering on Northern Nigeria. The first troops were from that area and thought of by the British as "Hausas" - to the end of colonial rule, the Hausa language was a lingua franca in a very multi-tribal force, especially in Nigeria. 
On formation in 1900, the RWAFF comprised:

Gold Coast Regiment – 1 battalion infantry and 1 battery mountain artillery

Northern Nigeria Regiment – 3 battalions infantry (including 1 mounted)

Southern Nigeria Regiment – 2 battalions infantry and 2 batteries mountain artillery. **Half of the Southern Nigeria Regiment (1 whole battalion) was made up of the the "Hausa Force" or Lagos battalion.

Sierra Leone Battalion – 1 battalion

The Gambia Company – 1 company

**Therefore in effect 4 whole battalions (half) of the RWAFF was made up of "Hausa" or Northern soldiers.

On 1 January 1914 the Southern Nigeria Regiment's two battalions were merged with those of the Northern Nigeria Regiment to become simply the Nigeria Regiment.
The RWAFF was finally disbanded in 1960 as the British colonies of Nigeria, Sierra Leone and The Gambia moved towards independence. The former RWAFF units formed the basis of the new national armies of their respective states.

**In conclusion, 80% of the Nigerian Regiment that formed the basis of the Nigerian army after independence was "Northerners". The purpose of subjugation of southern tribes and territory has been ingrained in their DNA for over a century.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by Dedetwo(m): 2:40pm On Feb 01, 2021
hater34:
Ur lord and saviour namadi KANU, who was spreading hate against the northerners, after realizing that northerners and half cast Jews from the republic of potopoto are not mate, he quickly made a u turn saying he is not against northerners but Fulani. As far Igbo exit in Nigeria, second class citizen is your calling...
I hate when people write like fools and more so in disguise. You do not worth a response if you could not write as who you are. An Ijo has no place in Nigeria to brand Igbo. Nobody in Nigeria will even dream of branding Igbo anything in the shithole called Nigeria. Igbo had staked its mark in Nigeria which attracts jealousy, hatred and fear. By the time Ndigbo is done with Nigeria, the jackasses such as you would have been cast off.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by Dedetwo(m): 2:52pm On Feb 01, 2021
thebosstrevor1:
Continue hyping yourself.

Where are the biafran nation, dead and gone

Where are your fellow biafrans...in the nation called Nigeria.

How come you guys keep blaming northern army generals for everything wrong in the war.

If the Northerners weren't smart, the war would have been won by biafra but here you are in Nigeria claiming smart.
Are you a kid? Which of the northern general has been blamed for anything wrong during the war? One of northerners who commanded a division of Nigerian army during the war was a joker and terrible military commander who should not have been allowed to command a boys company. Northern region should thank Yoruba, certain minorities from southern region, British, Cameroon, USSR, China, Egypt, Republic of Niger, Chad, Dahomey, Republic of South Africa, Arab League of Nations and Australia. Whenever you see any person from the above mentioned entities, please thank the person plentifully. You would have had a slow death with Houseflies in your mouth.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by Nobody: 3:16pm On Feb 01, 2021
Dedetwo:
Are you a kid? Which of the northern general has been blamed for anything wrong during the war? One of northerners who commanded a division of Nigerian army during the war was a joker and terrible military commander who should not have been allowed to command a boys company. Northern region should thank Yoruba, certain minorities from southern region, British, Cameroon, USSR, China, Egypt, Republic of Niger, Chad, Dahomey, Republic of South Africa, Arab League of Nations and Australia. Whenever you see any person from the above mentioned entities, please thank the person plentifully. You would have had a slow death with Houseflies in your mouth.
Pack of lies.


Why didn't the biafrans try to foster partnerships with other nations?

The same france,china you mentioned were supporting you, isreal also.

Where is biafra today? Gone like the wind, they were defeated by nigerian troops.

Stop thinking about the past, you can't change it, you were defeated like a conquered nation, here you are in Nigeria.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by tutudesz: 6:24pm On Feb 01, 2021
Dedetwo:
Please ask you dad and his two senior brothers how they joined? Even the recruitment of other ranks is strictly on quota system. Now, NDA is a closed door to Ndigbo. During my intake, it was still a hell for any Igbo boy to pass through selection board. This single action forced most Igbo chaps to change their surnames.
Bendel State quota then was 10 and every other state were 10. The same system still apply. Most Southerners cadets hardly finish, due to dismissal, health and etc.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by COVIK19: 9:12pm On Feb 13, 2021
thebosstrevor1:
Before the Nigerian Army became what is it today, it was formally called The Royal West African Frontier Force. This force was created by the British Colonial Office in 1900 to garrison the West African colonies of Nigeria, Gold Coast, Sierra Leone and Gambia. In 1928, it received royal recognition, becoming the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF).

Out of the Royal West African Force came the Northern and Southern Nigeria Regiment which eventually became the Nigerian Army.

After Nigeria got independence, the new Nigerian Army was open for all, applications were sent far and wide but guess what happened, many southerner politicians persuaded their people not to join the army, only the stubborn southerners joined. At the end of the day, northern applicants were more than southern applicants, because of the disparities in the number of applications between the North and the south, lot of public awareness about the Nigerian army were advertised on the radio, tv and newspaper, infact, army recruiters were sent to many southern villages and town but they all declined to join.

At the end of the day, many Northerners were recruited in the army leaving the south with very few soldiers. Because of lack of foresight from the southern politicians, they all missed the train.

Till today, southerners are still suffering from the effect of their lack of participation in the Nigerian army...this same effect is also seen in the Nigerian navy, airforce and police.

The lack of foresight from southern politicians will lead to the destruction of the south, presently, the south is experiencing a brain drain, at the end of the day, the north will get all those opportunities which brain drains took away.
You’re a fool I can’t believe what you posted on the post about Mr Macroni’s arrest, he’s a human first before a Nigerian Citizen just like you.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by Nobody: 9:14pm On Feb 13, 2021
COVIK19:
[s]You’re a fool I can’t believe what you posted on the post about Mr Macroni’s arrest, he’s a human first before a Nigerian Citizen just like you. [/s]
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by Nobody: 9:19pm On Feb 13, 2021
nairalandankrah:
Lols..if getting slaughtered by boko haram is what you call a train, my dear, southerners just dodged a death trap....enjoy your train
How? When alot of out cry on Nairaland is that Southern officer and Christians are the one posted to get killed by bokoharam?

What the op wrote is the truth. Infact you need read General Olusegun's biography. He joined the military not out of desire but nessecity due to being less privileged to be able to further his formal education.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by capitalzero: 9:19pm On Feb 13, 2021
thebosstrevor1:
Stop spreading lies.

Even before the almagamation of Nigeria, the various tribes did had their own army that enforced law and orders and also fight off invading forces.

This same logic also applies to Nigeria.

You are still applying the same lack of foresight by your politicians to the debate.

As we say THE END JUSTIFY THE MEANS....no matter what you think, the end is what matters.

Influence is everything, the person with the most influence will control the situation, if there are 5 southern s and 4 Northerners in the army , the 5 southerners will influence any situation in the army.

You guts can keep complaining while northern strategists with lot of foresight win the day.
He is telling the truth . Nigeria got independent in 1960 but security agents and leaders are yet to be independent from colonial mentality.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by capitalzero: 9:22pm On Feb 13, 2021
thebosstrevor1:
Pack of lies.


Why didn't the biafrans try to foster partnerships with other nations?

The same france,china you mentioned were supporting you, isreal also.

Where is biafra today? Gone like the wind, they were defeated by nigerian troops.

Stop thinking about the past, you can't change it, you were defeated like a conquered nation, here you are in Nigeria.
Biafra was defeated yes. It happens in every war. Loser and winner. But how is Nigeria faring since war?
Hope you are enjoying it.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by Nobody: 9:23pm On Feb 13, 2021
capitalzero:
Biafra was defeated yes. It happens in every war. Loser and winner. But how is Nigeria faring since war?
Hope you are enjoying it.
Yes, i am enjoying Nigeria everyday of my life.

Nigeria is the only place i know that is home to me.
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by capitalzero: 9:26pm On Feb 13, 2021
hater34:
Ur lord and saviour namadi KANU, who was spreading hate against the northerners, after realizing that northerners and half cast Jews from the republic of potopoto are not mate, he quickly made a u turn saying he is not against northerners but Fulani. As far Igbo exit in Nigeria, second class citizen is your calling...
First class citizen, hope you are faring better than second class citizens
Re: Why There Are Many Northerners In The Nigerian Army by capitalzero: 9:36pm On Feb 13, 2021
Glorious era of Nigeria army has gone. Most southern youths would not join army as recruits but as officers. It is lack of jobs that make some of them join army.
Most youths from south are interested in making money.
Nigeria army is not longer potent like before. Nigeria army of northern extraction( excluding middle belt) cannot defeat armed militia from south. Middle belt people are wise now. Gowon and his people were fooled now. Era of one north, one people and one God has gone, thanks to Jihadists.
1 2 Reply

Peter Obi Caps Are Trending In The North, With Many Northerners Embracing ItMany Northerners Comment On Peter Obi's Facebook PostVideo Of Nnamdi Kanu Supporting One Nigeria And Northerners In 2012234

Mixed Reactions Trail Okonjo-iweala’s Report To WTO On Nigeria’s ElectionI'm Starting To Like Vice President - Elect Shettima!BREAKING: NAF Aircraft En Route Niger Crashes