As countries across the world mark Remembrance Sunday, attention is turning to the thousands of Nigerians who lost their lives while fighting under British colonial rule during the First World War.
Although Nigeria was still under British control when the war broke out in 1914, its contribution to the conflict was significant. Nigerian soldiers were deployed to several battlefronts in Africa, where they fought alongside British and Allied forces against German troops.
The Nigeria Regiment, a unit of the Royal West African Frontier Force, was established on January 1, 1914, following the merger of the Northern and Southern Nigeria Regiments. It played major roles in military operations in Cameroon between 1914 and 1916 before being deployed to East Africa, where fighting continued until 1918.
Nigeria’s involvement went beyond the deployment of trained soldiers. Thousands of civilians were also recruited to support military operations, particularly as carriers and labourers. Historical records indicate that about 17,000 Nigerian combatants, 2,000 enlisted carriers and approximately 35,000 other carriers, including women and children, were involved in the campaigns.
In Cameroon, Nigerian troops took part in several major engagements against German forces. Their operations included the battles around Garua, Nsanakong and Yaounde. Despite suffering setbacks and heavy casualties during some of the early encounters, they continued fighting alongside British, French and Belgian forces until the German colonial capital, Yaounde, was captured.
Their military involvement later extended to German East Africa, present-day Tanzania, and parts of Mozambique. Under difficult conditions, Nigerian soldiers were deployed as mobile fighting units, pursuing German forces through challenging terrain.
One Nigerian soldier whose service stood out was Regimental Sergeant-Major Belo Akure. His bravery and commitment during military operations in Cameroon and East Africa earned him both the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal, making him one of the notable Nigerian servicemen recognised for his contribution to the war.
However, the sacrifices made by Nigerian troops came at a heavy cost. Estimates suggest that between 5,000 and 10,000 Nigerian soldiers and carriers died during the First World War. Many lost their lives not necessarily through enemy fire but from diseases, exhaustion and the harsh conditions they encountered during military campaigns.
The war also had lasting consequences for Nigerians who returned home. Having travelled beyond their immediate communities and witnessed events in other parts of the world, some veterans returned with different perspectives, greater confidence and new ideas about society and governance.
Their experiences contributed to changing attitudes among sections of the Nigerian population and formed part of the wider developments that encouraged the growth of nationalist movements against colonial rule.
Nigeria’s military contribution did not end with the First World War. During the Second World War, thousands more Nigerians served, with at least 3,845 reportedly losing their lives, while hundreds sustained injuries and 13 others were declared missing.
As Britain observes its traditional two-minute silence at 11:00 am on Remembrance Sunday, the sacrifices of Nigerian soldiers and civilians deserve recognition. Their participation in wars fought under colonial authority remains an important part of Nigeria’s history.
Beyond honouring those who died, the annual remembrance also serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of armed conflict and the importance of pursuing peace through dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation among nations.
