Nigerian History & Constitution

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Pre-Colonial Nigeria
3. Colonial Era (1861-1960)
4. Post-Independence Nigeria (1960-Present)
5. The Nigerian Constitution
6. Important National Symbols and Identity
7. National Days and Commemorations
8. Key Constitutional Amendments
9. Important Cases and Precedents
10. Summary of Key Dates for Memorization
11. Conclusion
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Introduction

Nigerian History and the Constitution form essential components of general knowledge for police officers, as understanding the nation's historical development and constitutional framework is fundamental to upholding law and order. Police personnel must possess comprehensive knowledge of Nigeria's journey from pre-colonial societies through independence to the present democratic dispensation, alongside the constitutional provisions that define their powers, limitations, and the rights of citizens they are sworn to protect. This study material provides detailed coverage of Nigeria's historical evolution and constitutional provisions relevant to the Nigerian Police Force Exam.

Pre-Colonial Nigeria

Major Pre-Colonial States and Kingdoms

Understanding pre-colonial Nigerian societies is crucial for appreciating the historical foundations of modern Nigeria.

The Kanem-Bornu Empire

• Location: Northeastern Nigeria, around Lake Chad region
• Period: 9th century to 19th century
• Notable rulers: Mai Idris Alooma (1571-1603), who expanded the empire and introduced firearms
• System of government: Centralized monarchy with the Mai (king) as supreme ruler
• Religion: Islam was introduced in the 11th century
• Economy: Trans-Saharan trade in salt, horses, and slaves

The Hausa States

• The Hausa Bakwai (Seven True Hausa States): Kano, Katsina, Zazzau (Zaria), Gobir, Rano, Biram, and Daura
• The Banza Bakwai (Seven Illegitimate States): Zamfara, Kebbi, Nupe, Gwari, Yauri, Yoruba, and Kwararafa
• Period: 10th century to early 19th century
• Government: Each state was independent with its own Sarki (king)
• Notable feature: Kano and Katsina were major commercial centers
• Economy: Agriculture, trade, and crafts (leather work, weaving, dyeing)

The Sokoto Caliphate

• Founder: Usman dan Fodio
• Period: 1804-1903
• Origin: Islamic jihad that reformed and unified Hausa states
• Capital: Sokoto
• Structure: Federal system with Emirates under the Sultan of Sokoto
• Administration: Divided into eastern and western Emirates
• Legal system: Based on Sharia (Islamic law)
• End: Defeated by British colonial forces in 1903

The Oyo Empire

• Location: Southwestern Nigeria (Yorubaland)
• Period: 15th century to 19th century
• Ruler: The Alaafin of Oyo
• Government structure: Constitutional monarchy with checks and balances
• Oyomesi: Council of seven kingmakers who advised the Alaafin
• Ogboni Society: Secret judicial and religious society
• Military: Famous cavalry force
• Decline: Internal conflicts and Fulani jihad in the early 19th century

The Benin Kingdom

• Location: Present-day Edo State
• Period: 11th century to 1897
• Ruler: The Oba of Benin
• Notable Oba: Oba Ewuare the Great (1440-1473) who expanded the kingdom
• Famous for: Bronze and ivory artwork, sophisticated military organization
• Government: Highly centralized monarchy
• End: British punitive expedition of 1897
• Capital: Benin City, with massive walls and earthworks

Igbo Political Systems

• Structure: Predominantly decentralized, acephalous (stateless) societies
• Government: Council of Elders, age grades, title societies (Ozo, Nze)
• Exceptions: Centralized kingdoms like Nri, Arochukwu, and Onitsha
• Nri Kingdom: Spiritual and religious authority, known for priestly leadership
• Arochukwu: Famous for the Ibini Ukpabi (Long Juju) oracle
• Decision-making: Democratic consensus through village assemblies

Colonial Era (1861-1960)

The Arrival and Establishment of Colonial Rule

Early European Contact

• 1472: Portuguese explorers first reached Lagos coast
• 1553: First English ship reached the Benin River
• Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade: Dominated European-Nigerian relations from 16th to 19th centuries
• Legitimate Commerce: Palm oil trade replaced slave trade after British abolition in 1807

Formal Colonization Process

• 1851: British bombardment and occupation of Lagos
• 1861: Lagos formally became a British colony through Treaty of Cession with Oba Dosunmu
• 1879: Sir George Goldie amalgamated British trading companies into United African Company (later Royal Niger Company)
• 1884-1885: Berlin Conference partitioned Africa among European powers
• 1886: Royal Niger Company received charter to administer territories along Niger River
• 1900: British government revoked Royal Niger Company charter and established Protectorate of Northern Nigeria and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria
• 1906: Colony of Lagos merged with Protectorate of Southern Nigeria
• 1914: Lord Frederick Lugard amalgamated Northern and Southern Protectorates to form Nigeria

Colonial Administration and Policies

Indirect Rule System

• Architect: Lord Frederick Lugard
• Principle: Governed through existing traditional rulers and institutions
• Implementation in the North: Successful due to existing centralized Emirates
• Implementation in Yorubaland: Moderately successful using Obas and chiefs
• Implementation in Igboland: Failed due to decentralized political structures; British created warrant chiefs
• Native Authority System: Traditional rulers exercised executive, legislative, and judicial powers
• Native Courts: Administered customary law
• Native Treasury: Collected taxes for local administration

Constitutional Developments

• 1922 Clifford Constitution: First constitution; introduced elective principle with four elected members to Legislative Council from Lagos and Calabar
• 1946 Richards Constitution: Divided Nigeria into three regions (Northern, Western, Eastern); established Regional Houses of Assembly
• 1951 Macpherson Constitution: Introduced quasi-federal system; established Council of Ministers; increased African representation
• 1954 Lyttleton Constitution: Established full federal system; created position of Prime Minister; granted regional self-government

Nationalist Movement and Path to Independence

Early Nationalist Organizations

• 1923: Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) founded by Herbert Macaulay
• 1936: Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) formed
• 1944: National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) founded by Herbert Macaulay and Nnamdi Azikiwe
• 1949: Action Group (AG) formed by Obafemi Awolowo
• 1951: Northern People's Congress (NPC) formed by Ahmadu Bello

Key Nationalist Leaders

• Herbert Macaulay (1864-1946): "Father of Nigerian Nationalism"
• Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904-1996): First President of Nigeria, media proprietor, pan-Africanist
• Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987): Premier of Western Region, advocate of federalism
• Sir Ahmadu Bello (1910-1966): Sardauna of Sokoto, Premier of Northern Region
• Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1912-1966): First and only Prime Minister of Nigeria
• Chief Anthony Enahoro: Moved motion for independence in 1953

The Road to Independence

• 1953: Anthony Enahoro moved motion for self-government in 1956
• 1957: Eastern and Western Regions gained self-government
• 1959: Northern Region gained self-government; Federal elections held
• 1960 Independence Constitution: Drafted at constitutional conferences in London
• October 1, 1960: Nigeria gained independence as a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth
• Structure at independence: Federal system with three regions (North, East, West) plus Federal Territory of Lagos

Post-Independence Nigeria (1960-Present)

First Republic (1960-1966)

• Government type: Parliamentary system
• Head of State: Governor-General (representing British monarch until 1963)
• Head of Government: Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
• October 1, 1963: Nigeria became a Republic; Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became first President
• Major issues: Census controversies (1962, 1963), Western Region crisis (1962), election rigging allegations (1964-1965)
• January 15, 1966: First military coup led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu; killed Prime Minister Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, and others
• End of First Republic: Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi became Head of State

Military Era and Civil War

First Military Government (1966)

• Leader: Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (January-July 1966)
• Decree 34 of 1966: Abolished federalism, created unitary system; sparked Northern opposition
• July 29, 1966: Counter-coup; Ironsi killed; Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon became Head of State

Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970)

• Causes: Political instability, ethnic tensions, massacre of Igbos in Northern Nigeria (1966)
• May 27, 1967: Nigeria divided into 12 states by Gowon
• May 30, 1967: Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu declared Republic of Biafra (Eastern Region seceded)
• July 6, 1967: Civil war began
• January 15, 1970: Biafran forces surrendered; war ended
• Federal government policy: "No victor, no vanquished"; Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation (3Rs)
• Casualties: Estimated 1-3 million deaths, mostly from starvation

Post-War Military Governments

• General Yakubu Gowon (1966-1975): Post-war reconstruction; oil boom; created 12 states (1967) and 19 states (1976 proposal); overthrown July 1975
• General Murtala Mohammed (July 1975-February 1976): Reformed civil service; moved capital to Abuja; created 19 states; assassinated February 13, 1976
• General Olusegun Obasanjo (1976-1979): Completed Murtala's transition program; handed over to civilians October 1, 1979

Second Republic (1979-1983)

• Government type: Presidential system (modeled after United States)
• President: Shehu Shagari (National Party of Nigeria - NPN)
• Constitution: 1979 Constitution
• Federal structure: 19 states
• Major political parties: NPN, Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Nigerian People's Party (NPP), Great Nigerian People's Party (GNPP), People's Redemption Party (PRP)
• Challenges: Economic downturn, corruption, political violence
• December 31, 1983: Military coup led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari ended Second Republic

Subsequent Military Regimes

• Major General Muhammadu Buhari (1983-1985): War Against Indiscipline (WAI); strict austerity measures; overthrown August 1985
• General Ibrahim Babangida (1985-1993): Structural Adjustment Program (SAP); created 21 states (1987), 30 states (1991); annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election won by M.K.O. Abiola; resigned August 1993
• Ernest Shonekan (August-November 1993): Headed Interim National Government
• General Sani Abacha (1993-1998): Created 36 states (1996); autocratic rule; died June 8, 1998
• General Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998-1999): Oversaw transition to democracy; released political prisoners; held elections

Fourth Republic (1999-Present)

• May 29, 1999: Democracy restored
• President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007): People's Democratic Party (PDP); economic reforms; anti-corruption initiatives; debt relief
• President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua (2007-2010): PDP; Seven-Point Agenda; Niger Delta amnesty program; died in office May 5, 2010
• President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (2010-2015): PDP; acted as president from May 2010; elected 2011; first incumbent to concede defeat peacefully
• President Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2023): All Progressives Congress (APC); anti-corruption fight; infrastructure development; security challenges
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2023-present): APC; current president

The Nigerian Constitution

Evolution of Nigerian Constitutions

• 1914: Letters Patent establishing amalgamated Nigeria
• 1922: Clifford Constitution
• 1946: Richards Constitution
• 1951: Macpherson Constitution
• 1954: Lyttleton Constitution
• 1960: Independence Constitution
• 1963: Republican Constitution
• 1979: Constitution of the Second Republic (still largely in force with amendments)
• 1989: Constitution (not fully implemented)
• 1999: Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (current, with amendments)

The 1999 Constitution: Structure and Key Provisions

Preamble and Fundamental Objectives

• Sovereignty: "We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria... do hereby make, enact and give to ourselves the following Constitution"
• Supremacy: Constitution is supreme law; any law inconsistent with it is void (Section 1)
• Chapter II: Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy (non-justiciable)

Fundamental Rights (Chapter IV)

These rights are justiciable and enforceable in courts:

• Section 33: Right to life
• Section 34: Right to dignity of human person (prohibits torture, slavery, forced labor)
• Section 35: Right to personal liberty (freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention)
• Section 36: Right to fair hearing
• Section 37: Right to private and family life
• Section 38: Right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion
• Section 39: Right to freedom of expression and the press
• Section 40: Right to peaceful assembly and association
• Section 41: Right to freedom of movement
• Section 42: Right to freedom from discrimination
• Section 43: Right to acquire and own property
• Section 44: Compulsory acquisition of property (with compensation)

Structure of Government

Federal System:

• Three tiers: Federal, State, and Local Government
• 36 states plus Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)
• 774 Local Government Areas

Separation of Powers:

• Executive: President at federal level; Governors at state level
• Legislature: National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) at federal level; State Houses of Assembly at state level
• Judiciary: Independent court system

The Executive Branch

The President

• Qualifications (Section 131): Nigerian citizen by birth; at least 40 years old; educated to at least School Certificate level; member of political party; sponsored by party
• Election (Section 134): Simple majority of votes cast AND at least 25% of votes in at least 2/3 of all states and FCT
• Tenure: Four years maximum of two terms (Section 137)
• Powers and Functions: Head of State and Government; Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces; power to assent to bills; appoint ministers, service chiefs, heads of parastatals; conduct foreign affairs; grant pardons
• Immunity: Cannot be sued while in office (Section 308)
• Impeachment: Requires 2/3 majority of National Assembly on grounds of gross misconduct (Section 143)

The Vice President

• Same qualifications as President
• Functions: Assists President; performs functions assigned by President; acts when President is absent or incapacitated
• Succession: Assumes office if President dies, resigns, or is removed

Federal Executive Council

• Comprises President, Vice President, and Ministers
• Ministers appointed by President subject to Senate confirmation
• At least one minister from each state

State Executive

• Governor: Chief executive of state
• Deputy Governor: Assists governor
• Commissioners: State cabinet members
• Similar powers and qualifications as federal level (mutatis mutandis)

The Legislature

The National Assembly

The Senate (Upper House):

• Composition: 109 Senators (3 from each state + 1 from FCT)
• Presiding Officer: Senate President (elected from among Senators)
• Term: Four years
• Qualifications (Section 65): Nigerian citizen; at least 35 years old; educated to School Certificate level; member of political party

House of Representatives (Lower House):

• Composition: 360 members representing constituencies
• Presiding Officer: Speaker (elected from among members)
• Term: Four years
• Qualifications: Nigerian citizen; at least 30 years old; educated to School Certificate level; member of political party

Powers and Functions of National Assembly

• Make laws for peace, order, and good government (Section 4)
• Legislative powers on matters in Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists
• Approve national budget
• Confirm certain presidential appointments (Senate)
• Declare war and approve deployment of armed forces
• Conduct investigations
• Amend Constitution (requires 2/3 majority plus approval by 2/3 of states)
• Impeach President or Vice President
• Override presidential veto (2/3 majority of both houses)

State Houses of Assembly

• Unicameral legislatures in each state
• Number of members varies by state (minimum 24, maximum 40)
• Make laws on matters in Concurrent and Residual Lists
• Similar powers at state level as National Assembly at federal level

The Judiciary

Court Hierarchy

Federal Courts:

• Supreme Court: Highest court; final court of appeal; Chief Justice of Nigeria and up to 21 Justices
• Court of Appeal: President of Court of Appeal and up to 70 Justices; hears appeals from lower courts
• Federal High Court: Handles federal matters (revenue, taxation, banking, immigration, etc.)
• National Industrial Court: Labor and employment matters

State Courts:

• High Court of a State: Unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters within state
• Sharia Court of Appeal: Islamic personal law matters (in states where established)
• Customary Court of Appeal: Customary law matters
• Magistrate Courts: Limited jurisdiction
• District Courts/Area Courts: Lower courts with limited jurisdiction

Judicial Powers and Independence

• Power to interpret laws and Constitution
• Power of judicial review (declare laws unconstitutional)
• Security of tenure: Judges removable only for misconduct or inability to perform duties
• Appointment: Judges appointed by President/Governor on recommendation of National Judicial Council, subject to Senate/House of Assembly confirmation
• Retirement age: Supreme Court Justices at 70; other superior court judges at 65

Legislative Lists

Exclusive Legislative List (Second Schedule, Part I)

Matters on which only the Federal Government can legislate (68 items including):

• Defense and armed forces
• Foreign affairs
• Currency, banking, and monetary policy
• Aviation and air travel
• Railways
• Immigration and emigration
• Postal services
• Customs and excise duties
• Federal trunk roads
• Mines and minerals (including oil)
• Police and internal security
• Prisons

Concurrent Legislative List (Second Schedule, Part II)

Matters on which both Federal and State governments can legislate (12 items including):

• Antiquities and monuments
• Archives
• Census
• Industrial, commercial, or agricultural development
• Scientific and technological research
• Statistics
• University, technological, and post-primary education
• Electric power (amended 2023)

Residual Legislative List

Matters not listed in Exclusive or Concurrent Lists belong to states, including:

• Primary and secondary education
• Health
• Agriculture
• Local government administration
• Markets
• State roads

Citizenship

Methods of Acquiring Nigerian Citizenship

• By birth (Section 25): Born in Nigeria before or after independence with at least one parent or grandparent who is Nigerian
• By registration (Section 26): Foreign spouse of Nigerian citizen after 15 years of marriage; persons of Nigerian descent; children under 21 registered by Nigerian parents
• By naturalization (Section 27): Foreigners who have resided in Nigeria for 15 years continuously; of good character; intend to reside permanently
• Honorary citizenship: May be conferred on persons who have made exceptional contributions to Nigeria

Deprivation of Citizenship

Citizenship may be revoked if acquired by fraud, false representation, or concealment of material facts (Section 30).

Political Parties and Electoral System

Political Parties

• Registration controlled by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
• Requirements: National spread; offices in at least 24 states; non-ethnic, non-religious orientation
• Funding: Subject to statutory limits and disclosure requirements
• Major current parties: All Progressives Congress (APC), People's Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP)

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

• Constitutional body responsible for conducting elections
• Composition: Chairman and 12 National Commissioners
• Appointment: By President subject to Senate confirmation
• Functions: Organize and conduct elections; register voters; register political parties; monitor political parties; issue guidelines for elections

Electoral Process

• Voting age: 18 years
• Voter registration: Continuous registration system
• Electoral system: First-past-the-post (simple majority) for most elections; special provisions for presidential elections
• Election sequence: Presidential and National Assembly; Governorship and State Assembly (usually 2 weeks apart)

Local Government

• Third tier of government (Section 7)
• Number: 774 Local Government Areas constitutionally recognized
• Structure: Chairman (executive); Councillors (legislative)
• Tenure: Three years
• Functions: Local services, primary education, health, agriculture, markets, sanitation
• Funding: Statutory allocations from Federation Account; state grants; internally generated revenue
• State Joint Local Government Account: Allocation system controlled by states (controversial)

Public Service and Code of Conduct

Public Service Rules

• Civil Service Commission: Responsible for appointment, promotion, and discipline
• Principle of federal character: Appointments and promotions must reflect Nigeria's diversity (Section 14(3))
• Merit principle: Balanced with federal character

Code of Conduct (Fifth Schedule)

Applies to President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Commissioners, legislators, judicial officers, and other public officers:

• Declaration of assets upon assumption and vacation of office
• Prohibition from maintaining foreign accounts
• Prohibition from engaging in private business while in public office
• Prohibition from receiving gifts or benefits in connection with office
• Code of Conduct Bureau: Receives and examines asset declarations
• Code of Conduct Tribunal: Prosecutes violations

The Police and Internal Security

Constitutional Provisions on Police

• Section 214: Establishes Nigeria Police Force
• Structure: Single national police force (exclusive federal matter)
• Command: Inspector General of Police (appointed by President subject to Senate confirmation)
• Functions (Section 4, Part II): Prevention and detection of crime; protection of life and property; enforcement of laws and order; performance of military duties within or outside Nigeria as required
• Nigeria Police Council: Advisory body on police matters (President, Governors, Chairman of Police Service Commission, IGP)
• Police Service Commission: Appointment, promotion, and discipline (except IGP)

Other Security Agencies

• Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (defense of Nigeria)
• Department of State Services (DSS): Internal intelligence
• National Intelligence Agency (NIA): External intelligence
• Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC): Protection of infrastructure and civil population
• Nigerian Correctional Service: Management of correctional facilities (formerly Nigerian Prison Service)
• Nigerian Immigration Service: Border control and immigration matters
• Nigerian Customs Service: Revenue collection and anti-smuggling

Important National Symbols and Identity

National Flag

• Design: Vertical triband of green-white-green
• Designer: Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi
• Adopted: October 1, 1960
• Symbolism: Green represents agriculture and natural wealth; white represents peace and unity

National Anthem

Current Anthem (restored 2024): "Nigeria, We Hail Thee"

• Composer: Frances Berda (music)
• Lyricist: Lillian Jean Williams
• Initially adopted: 1960-1978
• Restored: 2024

Previous Anthem (1978-2024): "Arise, O Compatriots"

• Composer: Benedict Odiase (music)
• Lyricists: John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Ogunnaike, Sotu Omoigui, P.O. Aderibigbe (collective work)

National Pledge

Text: "I pledge to Nigeria my country, to be faithful, loyal and honest, to serve Nigeria with all my strength, to defend her unity and uphold her honour and glory, so help me God."

Coat of Arms

• Adopted: May 20, 1960
• Elements: Black shield with two white wavy bands (Y-shape representing Rivers Niger and Benue); two white horses as supporters; red eagle on crest; yellow flowers (Costus spectabilis) at base
• Motto: "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress"

National Currency

• Name: Nigerian Naira (₦)
• ISO code: NGN
• Subdivisions: 100 Kobo = 1 Naira
• Introduced: January 1, 1973 (replaced Nigerian pound)
• Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN): Sole issuer of legal tender currency
• Current denominations: Notes: ₦5, ₦10, ₦20, ₦50, ₦100, ₦200, ₦500, ₦1000; Coins: 50k, ₦1, ₦2

National Days and Commemorations

• New Year's Day: January 1
• Good Friday: Movable (Christian)
• Easter Monday: Movable (Christian)
• Workers' Day: May 1
• Democracy Day: June 12 (commemorates June 12, 1993 election; changed from May 29 in 2018)
• Independence Day: October 1
• Christmas Day: December 25
• Boxing Day: December 26
• Eid-el-Fitr: Movable (Islamic, end of Ramadan)
• Eid-el-Kabir: Movable (Islamic, Festival of Sacrifice)
• Maulud Nabiyy: Movable (Islamic, Prophet's Birthday)

Key Constitutional Amendments

• First Alteration Act (2010): Clarified succession process when President is incapacitated (resulted from Yar'Adua situation)
• Second Alteration Act (2010): Electoral reforms
• Third Alteration Act (2010): Strengthened financial independence of State Houses of Assembly and Judiciary
• Fourth Alteration Act (2017): Modified timeline for presentation of national budget
• Fifth Amendment (2023): Devolved electricity generation and distribution to states (Concurrent List)
• Amendment on financial autonomy: Granted financial autonomy to State Legislature and Judiciary

Important Cases and Precedents

• Attorney-General of Ondo State v. Attorney-General of the Federation (2002): On resource control and derivation
• Fawehinmi v. IGP (2002): African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights has force of law in Nigeria
• Attorney-General of Abia State & Ors v. Attorney-General of the Federation (2006): On constitutional amendment procedure
• Marwa v. Nyako (2012): On qualifications for governorship
• Amaechi v. INEC (2008): Votes belong to political parties, not candidates

Summary of Key Dates for Memorization

• 1472: Portuguese reached Lagos
• 1804: Usman dan Fodio's Jihad began; Sokoto Caliphate established
• 1851: British bombardment of Lagos
• 1861: Lagos became British colony
• 1914: Amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates
• 1960 (Oct 1): Independence
• 1963 (Oct 1): Republican status
• 1966 (Jan 15): First military coup
• 1966 (July 29): Counter-coup
• 1967 (May 30): Biafra declared
• 1967 (July 6): Civil War began
• 1970 (Jan 15): Civil War ended
• 1976 (Feb 13): Murtala Mohammed assassinated
• 1979 (Oct 1): Second Republic began
• 1983 (Dec 31): Second Republic ended (Buhari coup)
• 1993 (June 12): Annulled presidential election
• 1999 (May 29): Fourth Republic began; democracy restored

Conclusion

Nigerian History and the Constitution are foundational to understanding the legal and administrative framework within which the Nigeria Police Force operates. Officers must understand the historical evolution of the nation from diverse pre-colonial societies through colonial rule to independence and subsequent political developments. Equally critical is comprehensive knowledge of constitutional provisions that define governmental powers, fundamental rights of citizens, the federal structure, and the specific constitutional basis for the police force. This knowledge enables police personnel to discharge their duties within constitutional bounds, respect citizens' rights, and contribute effectively to national development, unity, and progress.