PURPOSE
The unit will deploy to Nigeria within 72 hours, requiring all soldiers to become familiar with the geography, culture, history, economy, governance, infrastructure, and other organizations operating in the region. All leaders should ensure that they are fully briefed in the above mentioned areas so that they may pass this information along to their soldiers. Understanding the culture of a region in the key to developing a strategy that will enable US forces to conduct operations in that region without unnecessary civilian casualties and without fomenting unnecessary hostility amongst the populace.
MESSAGE
Nigeria is located in the coast of western Africa, bordering Benin and Cameroon, and is about twice the size of the state of California. The only major river in the country is the Niger, which enters in the northwest and flows through tropical rainforests and swamps out to the Gulf of Guinea. The major geographical issue affecting the country is the loss of arable land due to soil degradation, rapid deforestation, and oil spills. In addition, the country is going through a period of rapid urbanization. A US force operating in the region will encounter environments ranging from open desert to tropical rainforests, and will be forced to operate in urban environments.
Due to rapid desertification and air pollution, forces operating in the area will be forced to contend with high temperatures and a lack of potable water sources.
Nigeria has the following natural resources: natural gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, lead, and zinc. None of these natural resources can be found in such abundance as to have inspired conflict.
The population of Nigeria is largely literate, with an overall literacy rate of 68%. Comprised of 50% Muslim, 40% Christian, and 10% indigenous beliefs, the population also boasts more than 250 ethnic groups. The most influential are the Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, and Ijaw groups. The populace continues to experience longstanding tensions between ethnic and religious groups. English is the official language of Nigeria. The country also suffers from an abnormally high rate of HIV/AIDS infection, ranking 2nd in the world in that category. In addition, there is a very high risk of infectious disease.
Nigeria is comprised of 36 states which form a federal republic, modeled after the government of the United States. Nigeria’s constitution was adopted 5 May 1999, utilizing a mix of English common law and Islamic law (in the 12 northern states). The country gained its independence in 1960, and experienced significant irregularities and violence during attempted elections for many years. The general elections of April 2007 marked the first peaceful civilian to civilian transfer of power in the country’s history.
The country’s economy has been crippled by instability, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure for most of its history. Recently, however, the civilian government has focused on diversifying the economy from its dependence on oil, resulting in marked economic improvements. The government has also developed partnerships with private organizations to improve the roads, agriculture, and other infrastructure.
The Financial Action Task Force is currently involved in the country, monitoring the government in its fight against money laundering and trade in illicit drugs.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Because of the violence between religious groups, US forces should take care not to offend the largely Muslim populace of the country. Soldiers, particularly those deploying to the northern parts of the country, should be briefed on Muslim culture and practices. Due to the high rate of infectious disease prevalent in Nigeria, leaders should ensure that all Soldiers are inoculated against the diseases, and that a preventative medicine program is in place. The lack of roads and other infrastructure, as well as the presence of dense rainforest in much of the country dictate that leaders should utilize forces with capable off road vehicles, and should be prepared to fight dismounted in the jungles. The northern, more arid regions lend themselves well to mechanized forces however.