User:6 Battalion Nigerian Army/sandbox

A brief Historical background of 6 Battalion Nigerian Army. INTRODUCTION 1.	After the Second World War, Queen Elizabeth II of Britain visited Nigeria. During the visit, she bestowed on some Nigerian Regiments a new name ‘Queen’s Own Nigerian    Regiments. 6 Battalion was among the battalions that made up the Queen’s Own Nigerian Regiment. The unit officially became operational at the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. Between 1968 and early 1969, 2 Guards Battalion was moved from Lagos and merged with elements of 6 Battalion at Agbarho. That movement brought 6 Battalion into limelight after the civil war.

2.	In 1973, the unit was moved from Abgarho in Delta state to Warri and then to Isenyin Oyo state in 1974. In 1976 the unit was relocated again to Saki and then to Lagos in 1979. In 1986, the Battalion was rotated from Lagos to Elele in Rivers state to join elements of 26 Battalion and finally moved to its present location Ibagwa-Abak in 1992. Ibagwa Barracks was re-named Brigadier General Wellington Bassey Barracks by then President, C-in-C of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida CFR on Friday 26 April 1991. BACKGROUND 5.	This Battalion took part in various operations under 2 Division at the outbreak of the Nigerian civil war and was part of the units that liberated the Mid West. On 26 July 1967, 6 Battalion was tasked to lead 7 and 8 Battalions of 3 Marine Commando led by then Col Benjamin Adekunle, (the Black Scorpion) to carry out beach landing operations in Bonny. The operation was a fierce sea and land battle. After the fall of Bonny, 6 and 7 Battalions of 3 Marine Commando were moved to Escravos till the end of the civil war.

6.	The unit has also participated in numerous operations both at home and abroad. These operations include: a.	Operation LIBERTY in Liberia (2 tours of duty as NIBATTs 14 and 24). b.	Operation SANDSTORM in Sierra Leone (NIBATT 24). c.	Operation SAVE LIFE II in Sudan. d.	Operation HARMONY I and II in Bakassi. e.	Operation HAKURI in Warri. f.	Operation MESA (OP Thunder). g.	Operation PULO SHIELD.

7.	The unit’s colours are Red, Green and Red. The dominant Red in the unit’s colours depicts blood, which an infantry man is called upon to sacrifice in time of war or operations the Green colour represents the vegetation in which an infantry soldier operates upon. The Battalion’s Mascot is the “COBRA”. The Cobra is chosen as the Mascot because of its ability to deliver strikes against its attacker. The Cobra is a tough and aggressive snake that neither surrenders nor retreats but only adopts tactical repositioning for better strike back capacity.

8.	The unit’s Slogan is “Death before Dishonour”. The Slogan reflects the tough and unyielding nature of the unit in operations. This posture of the unit resulted in its many successes during both internal and external operations. The battalion is guided by customs, traditions and ethics that are seen to be exemplary and associated with the highest form of regimentation and discipline.