Title: The Evolution of Nigeria's Military Doctrine and Internal Security Operations: From Colonial Constabulary to Counter-Insurgency Warfare (1900-2024)
Authors: Haruna Hussaini Shumo (PhD), Onah Utomala Peter (PhD)
Volume: 9
Issue: 10
Pages: 605-611
Publication Date: 2025/10/28
Abstract:
The history of Nigeria's armed forces is a mirror of the nation's political evolution, reflecting its colonial foundations, post-independence crises, and contemporary security challenges. This paper investigates the historical trajectory of Nigeria's military doctrine, emphasizing how colonial legacies shaped its orientation toward internal security operations. It analyzes the transformation of the Nigerian military from a British colonial constabulary force to a post-independence army deeply engaged in counter-insurgency and peacekeeping operations. Using a historical-analytical method and secondary sources, the study argues that Nigeria's persistent reliance on militarized responses to domestic challenges stems from the institutional and ideological continuity of colonial security structures. The paper concludes that meaningful doctrinal reform requires decolonizing Nigeria's military ethos, prioritizing human security, and strengthening democratic oversight mechanisms.