The Nigerian Army on Thursday announced an end to the 53 regimental colours used in the order of battle and issued colours to 28 newly created units bringing the number of units in the Nigerian Army to 81
The military made the announcement at the Trooping and Presentation of Colours Parade in Abuja. The event held at the Eagle Square Abuja, was presided over by the president and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the army, the last trooping and presentation of colours parade for the army units was conducted in 2007.
Historically, the British colonial authority was the first to issue the first colours to the Nigerian Recruitment Training Centre, now Depot Nigerian Army located in Zaria, which was established on August 1, 1924, under the command of Maj. Hassar, then a British officer. According to Nigerian history, there is a difference between normal flags and military colours.
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Speaking at the historic event, President Buhari said the fighting power of the Nigerian Army has increased significantly under his administration making it fourth in ranking among African militaries as against seventh in 2015.
He said the fighting power of the nation’s army was at its low ebb as of May 2015, adding that the situation has improved with remarkable progress in the fight against insurgents, militants, oil bunkers, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the country.
According to him, this administration has achieved a remarkable transformation of the military in the areas of fighting power, training, operations, manpower, remunerations and medical services.
“These are in addition to maintenance, efficiency, accommodation and expansion of forces. The improvements in these areas have collectively enhanced the army’s capacity to effectively carry out its constitutional mandate.”
