The Nigerian army is among the top three military organization in the country. The Nigerian military has over the years, being ranked among the best armed forces in Africa, established to protect not only the citizenry but the territorial borders of Nigeria. If you want to start a career in the Nigerian military and would like like know more about the Nigerian Army ranks and Insignia (symbol), then this article covers it all.
Branches of the Nigerian military
The Nigerian military, which is saddled with the sole responsibility of protecting the citizens and sovereign territorial borders against external threats, operates on three codes namely: order, hierarchy and discipline. This means that the Nigerian armed forces is organized and abides by certain decrees and operates within a structural hierarchy, e.g Nigerian army ranks.
The military are further divided into three branches:
- Nigerian Army: This service branch is armed to maintain peace on land and is responsible for securing the lives of the people against internal and external threats.
- Nigerian Navy: This is branch of the armed forces that operate and secure the nation’s waters against invaders. They also help in rescuing citizens who experience attack by sea.
- Nigerian Air force: They offer air support and secure the country against threats or invaders by air. They also aid in transporting cargo/weapons and other missions on air.
This post will discuss more on the ranks of the Nigerian army and their symbols.
Nigerian Army Logo: Meaning & Description
Every service branch of the Nigerian armed forces has its symbols by which it is known. The Nigerian Army logo is one symbol that differentiates it from the air force or the navy. We shall explain the meaning of the eagle, the star sign and the meaning of the Arabic text writing just below the logo.
- The eagle on the army logo signifies grace and power of the Nigerian army. Just like the way the eagle hovers above and attacks with precision, that’s how the army strikes Nigeria’s enemies when fighting a war.
- The symbol of the star represents the unity of Nigeria as one indivisible nation. This could be traced back to 1914, during the amalgamation. The yellow and black colour on the star represents the Southern and Northern Protectorates that formed one Nigeria.
- The Arabic writing in the Nigerian Army logo when transcribed in English means ‘Victory comes from God alone’.
- The colour red on the flag stands for threat and enemy elements while the black represents the Nigerian cavalry and troops.
Ranks in the Nigerian Army
Nigerian Army ranks is the defined hierarchical structure that defines the position of its officers. Normally, you see different insignias on the uniform of army officers. This insignias differentiates them according to ranks where they belong.
Note that the ranks in the Nigerian army for commissioned officers is different from that of those who are non-commissioned. Also, salaries are paid according to ranks.
Ranks For Non Commissioned Officers
Below is a list of ranks in the Nigerian army for non-commissioned officers from the lowest to the highest:
1. Recruit/Trainee
This is the lowest rank in the Nigerian army hierarchy. These officer recruits have no insignia.
2. Lance Corporal
Lance Corporals are next after recruits and usually have one shoulder mark insignia.
3. Corporal
A corporal is ranked with two shoulder marks as his insignia.
4. Sergeant
The Sergeant is the fourth rank for junior officers. Their insignia is usually three shoulder marks.
4. Staff Sergeant
A Staff Sergeant is higher than the Sergeant and has three shoulder marks and a golden eagle on top as his insignia.
5. Warrant Officer
Also called Sergeant First class, warrant officers are the assistants of Master Sergeants with an insignia of a golden eagle surrounded by a golden crown of olive leaves.
6. Master Warrant Officer
Also known as Master Sergeant, these military officers take care of army equipment. Their insignia is the Nigerian Coat Of Arms with silver horses.
Ranks For Commissioned (Senior) Officers
Below is a list of ranks in the Nigerian army for commissioned officers from the lowest to the highest:
1. Second Lieutenant
Second Lieutenants is the first rank for commissioned officers in the army for graduates and they have have one silver six-pointed star on each of their shoulders as their insignia.
2. First Lieutenant
Next rank are the First Lieutenant. The insignia to differentiate these officers are two vertically aligned silver stars which is seen on their shoulders.
3. Captain
This is a high rank in the military especially for tactical troop organisation. Whenever you see three vertically aligned silver stars on the shoulders of any officer in the army, know that he is a Captain.
4. Major
The insignia for Majors in the Nigerian army is a silver eagle. This rank is also the lowest field officer rank of the commissioned officers.
5. Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant Colonels are ranked above majors with their insignia being a vertically aligned silver star with a silver eagle.
6. Colonel
This rank’s insignia has two silver stars and a silver eagle. Colonel officers are normally in charge of regiments.
7. Brigadier general
This is another high ranking officer in the Nigerian army in charge of commanding brigades. A Brigadier general insignia has three silver stars that form a triangle alongside a silver eagle on the top.
8. Major General
To know a Major General in the military, they usually have a golden emblem of the crossed sword and baton below a golden eagle on each shoulder of their uniforms.
9. Lieutenant General
The Lieutenant Generals are top officers who often are made Chief of Army Staff in the country. The gold vertically aligned emblem of the crossed sword and baton, a star and an eagle can be found on their uniforms.
10. General
In practice, the rank of the General is considered the highest rank in the Nigerian army. The reason is that it is practically impossible for anyone to attain the role of Army Field Marshal.
This information on the Nigerian Army ranks for commissioned officers would be helpful for those who want to start a career in the military.
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