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Military


Nigerian Army Order of Battle

Nigeria Army DivisionsThe Nigerian Army [NA] is functionally organized into combat arms, which are infantry and armoured; the combat support arms, which are artillery, engineers and signals; the combat support services comprise medical, supply and transport, ordinance and finance. Others include the military police, intelligence, physical training, chaplains, public relations and band. Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) located in Minna is responsible for doctrinal, training and combat development with an R&D outfit. There are 17 Corps Training Schools and an NA College of Logistics (NACOL).

Hierarchically, it is organized into the army headquarters, divisions, brigades, battalions / regiments, companies, platoons and sections. A division is a combined-arms organization with 7,000-22,000 military personnel commanded by a major general. It includes minimum of 2 brigadesas manuver elements, an artillery brigade, a division signals and other supporting elements. A brigade is an organization of units, 3 battalions and other support elements. A battalion is a reasonably self sufficient unit. It is the basic unit for combat and support of an army. A platoon consists of 3 sections and commanded by a lieutenant or captain. A section is an organization larger than a squad and smaller than a platoon. The divisions operate combined arms force structures with complements of combat support and combat support services. Each is designed to operate either on its own in special operations or conventionally jointly with the 2 other Services.

For economic reasons and Nigeria's threat perception, the strength was structured into three Infantry Divisions and Lagos Garrison Organisation (LGO). In 1982, there was another structuring of the NA. Emphasis was placed on increased mobility and improved firepower. That exercise marked the beginning of the concept of mechanisation of the NA. To make the structure effective, the NA procured more sophisticated equipment and trained more personnel on operational and professional courses locally and overseas.

The 1990 structure is what existed a decade later. In that exercise, the NA was structured into two Mechanised Divisions, one Armoured Division, a Composite Division, Lagos Garrison Command (LGC) and a Brigade of Guards (for ceremonial duties and Presidential Security). Each Mechanised Division comprised two Mechanised Brigades and an Artillery Brigade complete with the combat support services. By one account the composite division comprised one Amphibious Brigade, one Motorised Brigade, one Paratroop Battalion with their combat support services elements. Each division and the LGC in addition to having appropriate combat support and services had a Recce Battalion deployed close to Nigeria'S international frontiers within their Areas of Operational Responsibility (AOR) for reconnaissance and early warning. The units and the formations were strategically deployed to enable them provide adequate internal and external security obligations to the country.

The take-off of the 6 Division in NOvember 2016 brought the number of Army divisions in the country to nine. They include 81 Division, Lagos; 82 Division, Enugu; 1 Division, Kaduna; 2 Division, Ibadan; 3 Division, Jos; 7 Division, Maiduguri; and 8 Division for the areas bordering Lake Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

The appointment of the GOC 6 Division followed a major shakeup in Army High Command carried out by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- General Tukur Buratai. The shakeup resulted in the appointment of three new General Officers Commanding for the Nigerian Army. They are Major-General Oyefolu, GOC 81 Division, Lagos; Brigadier General CM Abraham is the Acting GOC 2 Division, Ibadan, and Major General Abdukarim for 6 Division, based in Port Harcourt. Other major appointments include that of a new Chief of Operations and Training for the Nigerian Army.

Special Operations Command (NASOC)
Army Special Operations Command (NASOC)
Nigeria announced 13 January 2014 the creation of the Nigerian Army Special Operations Command (NASOC) at a Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Lessons Learned Exchange between the United States and Nigeria. US has been involved in capacity-building for military personnel. There have been various workshops on civil–military relations, strategic communication and counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency, which were supported by the United States. Through such collaboration, the Nigerian Army established Nigerian Army Special Operations Command (NASOC).

Guards Brigade
Guards Brigade
Brigade of Guards has two battalions (3 and 26 Battalions). There is need to beef up the status to three battalions like other Brigades of NA to meet its commitments

Guards Brigade
3 Guards Battalion
26 Guards Battalion

1 Mechanized Division
1 Division

Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army is located in Kaduna. It was established during the civil war. It is charged with the responsibility of securing its Area of Responsibility (AOR) covering the North Western flank of Nigeria and also ensuring that the borders located in its AOR are secured. The division is a mechanized infantry with affiliated combat support and combat service support units. 1 Division Nigerian Army known as "the first" - formerly known as the "First Infantry Division"- was born out of the former "1st Brigade" of the Nigerian Army which was later christened, "1 Area Command".

214 Recce Battalion
1 Mechanised Brigade
65 Mechanised Battalion
81 Motorised Battalion
223 Light Battalion
3 Motorised Brigade
5 Motorised Battalion
29 Motorised Battalion
82 Motorised Battalion
31 Field Artillery Brigade
311 Field Artillery Regiment
312 Field Artillery Regiment
313 Air Defence Regiment

2 Mechanized Division



2 Division

Headquarters 2 Division Nigerian Army is located in Ibadan, Oyo State. It was established during the civil war. It is charged with the responsibility of securing its Area of Responsibility (AOR) covering the South Western flank of Nigeria and also ensuring that the borders located in its AOR are secured. The division is a mechanized infantry with affiliated combat support and combat service support units.

The history of 2 Division (formerly 2 Infantry Division and later 2 Mechanized Division) Nigerian Army dates back to the Nigerian Civil War. As of the year 2000, in the 2 Mechanised Division of the NA, the arms holding was 65%, the ammunition holding was less than 40%, vehicles' holding is also less than 40%. The manpower state was about 65% due to the engagement of some units in ECOMOG operation in Sierra Leone.

244 Recce Battalion
4 Mechanised Brigade
177 Motorised Battalion
221 Light Tank Battalion
222 Mechanised Battalion
9 Motorised Brigade
149 Motorised Battalion
174 Motorised Battalion
192 Motorised Battalion
32 Field Artillery Brigade
321 Field Artillery Regiment
322 Field Artillery Regiment
323 Air Defence Regiment
engineer brigade ?

3 Armoured Division
3 Division

Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army is located in Jos, Plateau State. It was established during the civil war. It is charged with the responsibility of securing its Area of Responsibility (AOR) covering the Northern Eastern flank of Nigeria and also ensuring that the borders located in its AOR are secured. The division is an armoured division with affiliated combat support and combat service support units.

243 Recce Battalion
21 Armoured Brigade
211 Tank Battalion
212 Tank Battalion
93 Mechanised Battalion
23 Armoured Brigade
231 Tank Battalion
232 Tank Battalion
3 Mechanised Battalion
33 Field Artillery Brigade
331 Field Artillery Regiment
332 Field Artillery Regiment
333 Air Defence Regiment
engineer brigade ?

6 Amphibious Division

6 Amphibious Division

The 6 Division is one of the newest of the Nigerian Army formations. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, announced 13 January 2016 that "We have established the 8 division located in the northern part of Borno specifically to clear the area of the remaining terrorists elements while another division, 6 Division, will be established in the South-South." It was established on 8 November 2016, with the Headquarters in Port Harcourt. The Division is charged with the responsibility of securing the Niger Delta/coastal region along with its critical national oil and gas assets and infrastructure. The Nigerian Army said its newly-created 6 Division in Port Harcourt was established to organise and improve its internal security operations in four states of the Niger Delta.

Maj.-Gen. Kasimu Abdulkarim, the pioneer General Officer Commanding (GOC), of the Division, said the military had recorded success in the war against terror and was committed to combating emerging security threats in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country. According to him, the Division will cover army 2 Brigade Akwa Ibom; 16 Brigade Bayelsa and 63 Brigade in Delta, respectively, with divisional headquarters in Port Harcourt. The Brigades were new units, not simply existing headquarters assigned to a new Division. The division, which will have components of artillery, infantry and armoured units as part of its operational order and composition.

Abdulkarim said his mission was to structure and enhance the operational capability of the division and improve combat readiness of the troops. He said the task included a review of existing intelligence architecture; accountability; inclusiveness; rule of law; troops discipline and respect for human rights. “This arrangement will help to curtail activities of militants, banditry, inter-communal clashes, illegal bunkering, kidnapping, robberies, Niger Delta Avengers and pipeline vandalism prevalent in the area."

The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, denied the allegations made by Governor Nyesom Wike and other politicians, accusing the military of involvement in the legislative re-run elections in the state. Kasimu Abdulkarim, the General Officer Commanding of the 6 Division, stated 12 December 2016 that these are aimed at tarnishing the image of the army in a statement made available the Agency of Nigeria in Abuja. Abdulkarim denied accusations that soldiers were involved in mass killing and arrest at Tai and Gokhana Local Government Areas of Rivers. According to Abdulkarim, the 6 Division, Nigerian Army remained apolitical in the conduct of the election. Its soldiers provided perimeter defence to ward off hoodlums and miscreants. He said that the troops were in no way involved in any form of ballot box snatching.

Abdulkarim said armed men engaged security personnel in shootouts. “The most brutal incidence occurred at Ujju Community near Omoku in Onelga where police patrol team was ambushed. In the ambush, 10 policemen scampered into the bush."

On 03 February 2017 Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, was appointed as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers.

Recce Battalion
2 Brigade
Battalion
Battalion
Battalion
16 Brigade
Battalion
Battalion
Battalion
63 Brigade
Battalion
Battalion
Battalion
engineer brigade ?

7 Infantry Division
7 Division

The 7th Infantry Division was established in August 2013 for the war against Boko Haram. In the months since the creation of the 7th Division, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) has been removed four times. Two instances of mutiny in May 2014 by soldiers of the 7th Division delivers a strong message: the junior officers are willing to be court-martialed, rather than continue to be sabotaged, humiliated and killed by the corruption and incompetence of the military top command and federal government.

Already, there was 23 Brigade in Yola, Adamawa State, 21 Brigade in Maiduguri and 22 Brigade in Ilorin, all armoured brigades which would form the new 7th Division of the Nigerian Army. Only a battalion, known as 241 Reece Battalion, is in Yobe, and this may latter graduate to a new brigade as the new division settles down.

The Div established to decisively counter the threat of insurgency, terrorism and armed banditry prevalent in the North Eastern part of the country. It became operational with effect from 22 Aug 13 with its area of operational responsibilities covering 3 north eastern state of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe state. The Div’s HQ is located in Maiduguri and the approved mascot is a Wolf while the approved logo is a snaring Wolf and the Arabic numeral “7” superimposed on a background of horizontal yello ochre (sandy brown), 7 green stripes as well as red and black colours. The motto of the Div is “Doggedness and Boldness”

241 Recce Battalion
21 Brigade
Battalion
Battalion
Battalion
22 Brigade
Battalion
Battalion
Battalion
23 Brigade
Battalion
Battalion
Battalion
engineer brigade ?

8 Task Force Division
8 Task Force Division

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, announced on 13 January 2016 the establishment of the Nigerian Army 8 Division located in the northern part of Borno state. The Nigerian Army Command in August 2013 had established the 7th Infantry Division in Maiduguri to boost the military’s counter-insurgency operation in the North-East. According to Buratai, the establishment of the new division was part of a strategic plan by the Army to boost military operations against terrorists, particularly in areas around the Lake Chad Basin. He confirmed that the establishment of the additional formations would bring the number of divisions in the Nigerian Army to eight.

“Emerging threats to the security of our nation which have been aggravated by the proliferation of armed groups have added to the task of the military in protecting the lives of Nigerians and the integrity of its territory. The focus of the Nigerian Army today is to find lasting solutions to these contemporary threats posed by the activities of the armed groups and their allies. The Nigerian Army, therefore, remains poised to the extermination of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria; today, they can no longer hold any territory as it used to be in the past that is why they have resorted to the use of IEDs to hit soft targets. We have established the 8 division located in the northern part of Borno specifically to clear the area of the remaining terrorists elements while another division, 6 Division, will be established in the South-South", the boss said. Details of the new establishment were not disclosed, Buratai said the division would soon become fully operational with logistics and manpower deployments.

On 01 November 2016 the troops of 8 Task Force Division commenced an Operation codenamed Operation HARDKNOCK to clear pockets Boko Haram terrorist hiding in remote areas of northern Borno State, along Nigeria-Niger borders. As the operation progresses, troops have cleared pockets of insurgents from their hideouts in Momo and Tunshe villages around Marte general area Borno state. The troops have rescued 19 women and 19 children held hostages in Dumba village by the terrorists. During the rescue operation, the troops neutralized 6 Boko Haram insurgents while others fled with gunshot wounds leaving behind 22 motorcycles, flags and other items.

Resources

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Battalion
Battalion
engineer brigade ?

81 Division

81 Division [Lagos Garrison Command]

81 Division was formed on 26 May 2002 when Lagos Garrison Command (as it then was) was upgraded to a full-fledged Division. The Division therefore inherited the security roles hitherto performed by the defunct Lagos Garrison Command.

The 4 Infantry Division, formerly known as the Lagos Garrison Organization (LGO), was created and located at Abalti Barracks, Lagos in January 1964. 82 Division, formerly known as 4 Infantry Division came into existence in August 1975, following a reorganization of the Nigerian Army (NA) in the same year.

The LGC, which is to provide security in Lagos and part of Ogun state, has two fighting battalions (165 and 19 Mechanised Battalions) and 242 Recce Battalion with the service support elements. This implies, a fighting Brigade has more force disposition than LGC. In the face of a credible opposition, LGC might not fare satisfactorily.

19 Mechanised Battalion
165 Mechanised Battalion
242 Recce Battalion

82 Composite Division
82 Composite Division

Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army is located in Enugu. It was established in 1975. It is charged with the responsibility of securing its Area of Responsibility (AOR) covering the South Eastern and South Southern flanks of Nigeria and also ensuring that the borders located in its AOR are secured. The division is a composite division with affiliated combat support and combat service support units.

The outbreak of civil hostilities in Nigeria in 1967 necessitated the creation of additional divisions of the nation's army. At the heat of the battle, a unique army division was formed, and was given a name that was synonymous to its terrain of operation. The 3rd Marine Commando "Division" was a regular army formation, assembled during the civil war, with some amphibious capabilities as part of their remit.

By one account the composite division comprised one Amphibious Brigade, one Motorised Brigade, one Paratroop Battalion with their combat support services elements. While 13 Motorised Brigade is authoritatively attested as of 1999, by the year 2010 the unit is authoritatively attested as 13 Amphibious Brigade. By the year 2010 the 93 Amphibious Batalion is authoritatively attested, without Brigade affiliation identified, while no such unit was attested in 1999. Orbat.com reports an Airborne Battalion [72 Parachute Battalion], but no such unit was attested as of 1999.

245 Recce Battalion
7 Amphibious Batalion
93 Amphibious Batalion
146 Amphibious Batalion
2 Amphibious Brigade
1 Amphibious Battalion
20 Amphibious Battalion
41 Motorised Battalion
13 Motorised Brigade
4 Motorised Battalion
103 Motorised Battalion
35 Amphibious Battalion
34 Field Artillery Brigade
341 Field Artillery Regiment
342 Field Artillery Regiment
343 Air Defence Regiment
engineer brigade ?

83rd Mechanized Division

Orbat.com reports this division at Benin City, Niger Delta. It does not appear on the Nigerian Army website, but Orbat.com claims to have an identification for it. Raised around 2001-02, it is sometimes also referred to as a composite division.



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