When you’ve figured out how to get recruited into the Nigerian Army, knowing the ranks is also important. The Nigerian Army is one of three components of the Nigerian Armed Forces responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s land. The other two are the Nigerian Navy, which protects Nigeria’s waters, and the Nigerian Airforce, which maintains control over our airspace. They collectively ensure Nigeria’s territorial integrity and shield the nation from external and internal threats.
Let’s dig into how the army is ranked. In this article, we’ve compiled all you need to know about the ranks in the Nigerian Army.
History of Army ranks
The Nigerian Army has a fascinating history that can be traced back to 1863, when Lt. Glover, a British Naval officer, established “Glover’s Hausas.” This small group of runaway slaves played a crucial role in protecting British trade routes by embarking on expeditions into the hinterland. Over time, this led to the formation of the West African Frontier Force, which eventually gave birth to the Nigerian Army as we know it today.
The badges of rank in the Nigerian Army draw inspiration from their British counterparts, with one notable difference. Instead of the British crown, officers with the rank of Major and above proudly wear the Nigerian eagle from the Coat of Arms on their insignia. It’s a symbolic representation of the country’s identity and heritage.
While titles may be considered ranks in certain armies, they often signify specific appointments in the Nigerian Army. These appointments can range from ceremonial and honorary roles to positions of authority and responsibility within the organisation.
Commissioned officers ranking
The Nigerian Army has commissioned officers who are graduates of military academies. There are 11 rankings for commissioned officers. They are below:
Second Lieutenant
[Second Lieutenant / Wikipedia]
The second lieutenant is the lowest commissioned officer rank in the Nigerian Army. Officers with this insignia bear one star.
Highest monthly salary: ₦187,159
Lowest monthly salary: ₦173,156
Lieutenant
[Lieutenant/ Wikipedia]
The next rank is the lieutenant. Officers on this rank carry two stars on their insignia.
Highest monthly salary: ₦218,400
Lowest monthly salary: ₦187,992
Captain
[Captain / Wikipedia]
The highest rank among junior officers. The rank of captain carries three stars.
Highest monthly salary: ₦232,484
Lowest monthly salary: ₦200,336
Major
[Major / Wikipedia]
This is a senior rank. Officers who are majors carry an eagle in their insignia.
Highest monthly salary: ₦248,004
Lowest monthly salary: ₦213,246
ALSO READ: How to Join the Nigerian Army
Lieutenant Colonel
[Lieutenant Colonel / Wikipedia]
A lieutenant colonel is a mid-level rank in the Nigerian army. Officers in this rank bear an eagle and a star in their insignia.
Highest monthly salary: ₦324,586
Lowest monthly salary: ₦282,573
Colonel
[Colonel / Wikipedia]
A colonel in the Nigerian Army carries an eagle and two stars aligned vertically. This is the highest-ranking senior commissioned officer and is typically in charge of army regiments.
Highest monthly salary: ₦352,631
Lowest monthly salary: ₦310,554
Brigadier General
[Brigadier General / Wikipedia]
A brigadier general is a flag officer and, as the name suggests, is in charge of brigades. This rank carries an eagle and three stars below arranged like a triangle.
Highest monthly salary: ₦677,895
Lowest monthly salary: ₦616,388
Major General
[Major General / Wikipedia]
The insignia of a major general carries an eagle with a baton and sword below it. A major general can command a division of 6,000 to 25,000 troops when appointed to a field command.
Highest monthly salary: ₦1,376,343
Lowest monthly salary: ₦1,003,245
Lieutenant General
[Lieutenant General / Wikipedia]
A lieutenant general is the third highest rank in the Nigerian Army. An officer of this rank can command as many as three army divisions with tens of thousands of troops. The insignia of a lieutenant general is an eagle, a star and a sword and baton, all vertically aligned.
Highest monthly salary: ₦1,486,451
Lowest monthly salary: ₦1,113,602
General
[General / Wikipedia]
A general is the second highest rank in the Nigerian Army. The insignia of a general is an eagle, two stars and a baton and sword arranged vertically.
Highest monthly salary: ₦1,724,83
Lowest monthly salary: ₦1,113,602
Field Marshall
[Field Marshall / Wikipedia]
The field marshall is the highest rank in the Nigerian Army. No one has attained this ranking yet. It’s a five-star rank typically given to a general after attaining an extraordinary military feat. The insignia is an eagle atop a crossed sword and a baton surrounded by a wreath of two branches.
Non-commissioned officers
The ranking of non-commissioned officers is as follows, from greatest to least:
Army Warrant Officer (Also called a Sergeant Major of the Army, Chief Warrant Officer or Force RSM)
Highest monthly salary: ₦171,793
Lowest monthly salary: ₦159,059
Master Warrant Officer (Former WO Class 1 – Also called a Regimental Sergeant Major)
Highest monthly salary: ₦165,697
Lowest monthly salary: ₦148,583
Warrant Officer (Former WO Class 2 – Also called a Company Sergeant Major)
Highest monthly salary: ₦101,974
Lowest monthly salary: ₦85,193
Staff Sergeant
Highest monthly salary: ₦87,119
Lowest monthly salary: ₦69,647
Sergeant
Highest monthly salary: ₦56,443
Lowest monthly salary: ₦69,261
Corporal
Highest monthly salary: ₦58,638
Lowest monthly salary: ₦51,980
Lance Corporal
Highest monthly salary: ₦55,832
Lowest monthly salary: ₦50,326
Private (No insignia)
Highest monthly salary: ₦53,892
Lowest monthly salary: ₦49,412
Recruit (No insignia)
Highest monthly salary: ₦10,237
Lowest monthly salary: ₦10,237
This brings us to the end of our list. Hopefully, you’re now better informed about ranks in the Nigerian Army.
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