CIVIC EDUCATION

THEME – PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY

CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (SS 1)

TOPIC – THE MAJOR PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY

LEARNING AREA 

1. The Nigerian Armed Forces

2. The Functions of Nigerian Armed Forces

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Nigerian constitution

2. Textbooks

3. Charts

4. Video tapes

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define and explain the constitution.

2. discuss the strong institution like the three Arms of government.

3. define and explain federalism, state and local government.

4. outline citizens responsibilities.

5. political parties and free press.

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

The Nigerian Armed Forces is the military organization responsible for the defense and security of Nigeria. It consists of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, each under the command of the Nigerian Ministry of Defense. The President of Nigeria is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The President of Nigeria functions as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, exercising his constitutional authority through the Ministry of Defence, which is responsible for the management of the military and its personnel.

The Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF) are the combined military forces of Nigeria. It consists of three uniformed service branches:

1. Nigerian Army

2. Nigerian Navy

3. Nigerian Airforce

The Nigerian Armed Forces play a key role in maintaining national security and stability, as well as contributing to regional peace and security through participation in international peacekeeping missions. The Armed Forces have been involved in various operations, including counter-insurgency efforts against groups like Boko Haram in the northeast region of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Armed Forces also play a role in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations, both domestically and in collaboration with international partners. The Armed Forces are governed by a strict chain of command and adhere to principles of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in carrying out their duties.

NIGERIAN ARMY

The Nigerian Army is the largest component of the Nigerian Armed Forces, responsible for land warfare operations. It is involved in a wide range of activities, including counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations. The Nigerian Army has various divisions and units spread across the country.

It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s security and upholding its sovereignty, both domestically and internationally.

FUNCTIONS OF NIGERIAN ARMY

The Nigerian Army, like any other national army, has several functions essential for the security and defense of the country. Some of the key functions of the Nigerian Army include:

1. Defense of the Territorial Integrity of Nigeria – The primary function of the Nigerian Army is to defend the country’s borders and ensure the security of its territory.

2. Internal Security Operations – The Nigerian Army plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order within the country by assisting the police and other security agencies in addressing internal security challenges such as terrorism, insurgency, and civil unrest.

3. Counter-insurgency Operations – The Nigerian Army is involved in counter-insurgency operations to combat terrorist groups such as Boko Haram in the northeast region of the country.

4. Peacekeeping Missions – The Nigerian Army participates in international peacekeeping missions under the umbrella of the United Nations or African Union to promote peace and security in conflict-affected regions.

5. Disaster Relief Operations – The Nigerian Army provides assistance during natural disasters and humanitarian crises by offering logistical support, rescue operations, and distribution of aid to affected populations.

6. Training and Capacity-building – The Nigerian Army conducts training programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of its personnel, ensuring they are prepared for various operational challenges.

7. Support for Civil Authorities – The Nigerian Army assists civil authorities in responding to emergencies, protecting critical infrastructure, and providing security during events such as elections or national celebrations.

NIGERIAN NAVY

The Nigerian Navy is responsible for protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests, including securing its territorial waters and offshore resources. The Navy is also involved in combating piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes. It operates a fleet of ships and naval aircraft.

It plays a critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests, protecting its maritime resources, and contributing to national security both at sea and along the coastline.

FUNCTIONS OF NIGERIAN NAVY

The Nigerian Navy, as the maritime branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces, is responsible for safeguarding the country’s maritime interests and enforcing maritime laws. Some of the key functions of the Nigerian Navy include:

1. Maritime Security – The primary function of the Nigerian Navy is to protect Nigeria’s maritime borders, territorial waters, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from external threats, such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and other illicit activities.

2. Defense of Maritime Assets – The Nigerian Navy is tasked with protecting the country’s maritime assets, including offshore oil and gas platforms, ports, and critical infrastructure located along the coast.

3. Naval Warfare – The Nigerian Navy is trained and equipped to engage in naval warfare, including conducting anti-submarine operations, naval blockade, and amphibious assaults if necessary to defend the country’s maritime interests.

4. Search and Rescue Operations – The Nigerian Navy plays a vital role in conducting search and rescue missions at sea to save lives and provide assistance to mariners in distress.

5. Maritime Law Enforcement – The Nigerian Navy collaborates with other maritime security agencies to enforce maritime laws, combat illegal activities at sea, and ensure compliance with international maritime regulations.

6. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief – The Nigerian Navy offers support during natural disasters and humanitarian crises by providing transportation, medical aid, and logistical assistance to affected communities.

7. Capacity-building and Training – The Nigerian Navy conducts training programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of its personnel, including specialized training in naval operations, maritime security, and disaster response.

NIGERIAN AIR FORCE (NAF)

The Nigerian Air Force is responsible for air defense and aerial operations in support of the Army and Navy. It is equipped with fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, and other aviation assets. The Air Force plays a crucial role in providing air support for ground and naval operations, as well as conducting air surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

It plays a crucial role in safeguarding Nigeria’s airspace, supporting military operations, and contributing to national security and stability both domestically and internationally.

FUNCTIONS OF NIGERIAN AIRFORCE

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is the aerial branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces and is responsible for defending the Nigerian airspace, conducting air operations, and providing air support to the other branches of the military. Some of the key functions of the Nigerian Air Force include:

1. Air Defense – The primary function of the Nigerian Air Force is to defend Nigerian airspace from external threats, such as enemy aircraft or missiles. This includes conducting air patrols, intercepting hostile aircraft, and safeguarding the country’s airspace sovereignty.

2. Combat Operations – The Nigerian Air Force is trained and equipped to conduct combat missions, including airstrikes, close air support, and air interdiction. It plays a crucial role in supporting ground forces during military operations and counter-insurgency campaigns.

3. Airlift and Logistics – The Nigerian Air Force provides airlift capabilities to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies to different locations within Nigeria and for international peacekeeping missions. It also supports humanitarian relief efforts by delivering aid to those in need during emergencies or natural disasters.

4. Search and Rescue Operations – The Nigerian Air Force conducts search and rescue missions to locate and extract individuals in distress, such as downed aircraft or mariners at sea, to save lives and provide assistance during emergencies.

5. Training and Capacity-building – The Nigerian Air Force conducts training programs for its personnel to improve their skills and capabilities in air operations, maintenance, and support functions. It also collaborates with international partners to enhance its operational readiness and effectiveness.

6. Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Missions – The Nigerian Air Force participates in peacekeeping operations under the United Nations or regional organizations to promote peace and stability in conflict-affected regions. It also provides support during humanitarian crises by airlifting relief supplies and assisting in evacuation efforts.

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. guides students to define and explain the Nigerian Armed Forces.

2. leads a class discussion on the important functions of Nigerian Armed Forces.

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. define and explain the Nigerian Armed Forces.

2. participate actively in the class discussion on the important functions of Nigerian Armed Forces.

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. define and explain the Nigerian Armed Forces.

2. state and explain the important functions of Nigerian Armed Forces.