Nigeria Medal list

[Antonio Prieto]

NIGERIA [20th September, 1965]
There are hereby established for the armed forces the following medals, namely-
(a) the Nigeria Star;
(b) the River Niger Star;
© the River Benue Star;
(d) the Nigeria Eagle;
(e) the Distinguished Service Medal;
if) the Loyal Service and Good Conduct Medal;
(g) the Forces Service Star.
7. Form of medals, etc. (I) The Nigeria Star-
(a) shall be of solid gold of the shape shown in the Schedule of this warrant, having in the centre the arms of the Federal Republic surrounded by the words "FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA: FOR V ALOUR", and
(b) shall have attached to it a scarlet ribbon having embroidered thereon in gold a small representation of an eagle.
(2) The River Niger Star-
[schedule.]
(a) shall be of gold-plated metal of the shape shown in the Schedule of this war- rant having, in the centre, two crossed swords surmounted by a representation of an eagle, the swords and eagle being surrounded by the words "FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA: FOR BRAVERY"; and
(b) shall have attached to it a ribbon divided laterally into five equal divisions of which the first and fifth shall be red, the second navy blue, and third khaki, and the fourth air-force green.
(3) The River Benue Star-
(a) shall be of silver-plated metal of the shape shown in the Schedule of this war- rant having, in the centre, a representation of a warrior drawing a bow, the representation being surrounded by the words "FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA: FOR GALLANTRY"; and
(b) shall have attached to it a ribbon divided laterally into nine equal divisions of which the first, third, seventh and ninth shall be green, the second and eighth white, the fourth and sixth black, and the fifth red.
(4) The Nigerian Eagle-
(a) shall consist of a circular disc of gold-plated metal of the shape shown in the Schedule of this warrant having, on the obverse, a representation of an eagle surrounded by the words "FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA" and on the reverse, the words "FOR BRA VERY IN ACTION" surrounded by the words "NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES"; and
(b) shall have attached to it a shiny black ribbon.
(5) The Distinguished Service Medal-
(a) shall consist of a circular bronze disc of the shape shown in the Schedule of this warrant having, on the obverse, the arms of the Federal Republic sur- rounded by the words "FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA" and, on the re- verse, the words "FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE" surrounded by the words "NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES"; and
(b) shall have attached to it a ribbon divided laterally into five equal divisions of which the first and fifth shall be blue, the second and fourth black, and the third, red.
(6) The Loyal Service and Good Conduct Medal-
(a) shall consist of a circular disc of silver-plated metal of the shape shown in the Schedule of this warrant having, on the obverse, a representation of the map of Nigeria surrounded by the words "FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA", and, on the reverse, the words "FOR LOYAL SERVICE AND GOOD CON- DUCT" and surrounding those words the number, rank and name of the holder and the words "NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES"; and
(b) shall have attached to it a ribbon divided laterally into five equal divisions of which the first shall be dark blue, the second and fourth white, the third red and the fifth sky-blue.
(7) The Forces Service Star-
[schedule.]
(a) shall consist of a circular nickel disc of the shape shown in the Schedule of this warrant having, on the obverse, a five-pointed star surrounded by the words "FOR RECOGNISED SERVICE" and, on the reverse, surrounding a blank central space, the words "FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA"; and
(b) shall have attached to it a ribbon divided laterally into five equal divisions of which the first and fifth shall be blue, the second and fourth green, and the third, white.
(8) Each of the ribbons mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs shall be 11,4 inches wide.
(9) Every service medal shall be worn suspended by its ribbon from the left breast of the outer garment of its wearer.
8. Miniatures and ribbons
The holder of any service medal may, when not wearing the medal itself, wear on the left breast of his outer garment-
(a) a miniature reproduction of the medal (and of any bar or clasp thereto which has been awarded to him) of such size and pattern as may be approved by the President; or
(b) a piece of ribbon of the same width and design as the ribbon attached to the medal, bearing, in the case of a person who has been awarded one or more bars or clasps to the medal, the corresponding number of miniature reproductions of the bar or clasp of such size and pattern as may be approved by the President.

[Antonio Prieto]

HONOURS (POLICE) WARRANT [L.N. 31 of 1966.]

under section I

[i st October, 1965]

(1) There are hereby established for the police force the following medals, namely- [L.N. 36 of 1979.]

(a) the Nigeria Police Star

(b) the Meritorious Service Medal;

© the Special Constabulary Medal

(d) the Long Service Medal;

7. Form of medals, etc.

(l) The Nigeria Police Star-

(a) shall consist of a Maltese Cross of silver metal with the outer edges joined by coiled ring, having, on the obverse, in the centre, a shield similar to that forming part of the arms of the Federal Republic, the shield being surrounded by a laurel wreath and the uppermost arm of the cross having on it a representation of an eagle, and on the reverse, the words "FORGALLANTRY" in the centre and "THE NIGERIA POLlCE" at the upper arm of the cross; and

(b) shall have attached to it a ribbon one and a quarter inches wide divided later- ally into five equal divisions of which the first shall be yellow, the second and fourth blue, the third, green with a red stripe one sixteenth of an inch wide running along its centre, and the fifth yellow.

(2) The Meritorious Service Medal-

(a) shall consist of a circular disc of silver-plated metal having, on the obverse, the arms of the Federal Republic, and on the reverse, in the centre, the emblematic design of the Nigeria Police Force surrounded by the words "NIGERIA POLlCE FORCE FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE"; and

(b) shall have attached to it a ribbon one and a quarter inches wide divided later- ally into three divisions of which the first and third shall be of equal size and shall be dark blue and dark green respectively, and the second, one eighth of an inch wide, shall be yellow.

(3) The Long Service Medal-

(a) shall consist of a circular disc of silver-plated metal having, on the obverse, the arms of the Federal Republic and, on the reverse, in the centre, the emblematic design of the Nigeria Police Force surrounded by the words "NIGERIA POLlCE FORCE FOR LONG SERVICE"; and

(b) shall have attached to it a ribbon, one and a quarter inches wide, divided later- ally into five equal divisions of which the first and fifth shall be dark green, the second and fourth dark blue and the third yellow.

(4) The Special Constabulary Medal-

a shall consist of a circular disc arms of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and, on the reverse, in the centre, the emblematic design of the Nigeria Police Force surrounded by the words "NIGERIA POLICE SPECIAL CONSTABULARY FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE"; and

(b) shall have attached to it a ribbon one and a quarter inches wide divided later- ally into three divisions of which the first and third shall be of equal size and shall be dark green, and the second, one eighth of an inch wide, shall be yellow.

[Antonio Prieto]

HONOURS (PRISON SERVICES) WARRANT

under section 1

[14th April, 1972]

(1) There are hereby established for the prison service the following medals,

namely-

(a) the Nigeria Prison Service Cross;

(b) the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal; and

(d) the Meritorious Service Medal.

6. Form of medals, etc.

(1) The Nigeria Prison Service Cross-

(a) shall consist of a Maltese Cross of silver metal with the outer edges joined by coiled ring, having, on the obverse, in the centre, a shield similar to that forming part of the arms of the Federal Republic, the shield being surrounded by a laurel wreath and the uppermost arm of the cross having on it a representation of an eagle, and on the reverse, the words "FOR GALLANTRY" in the centre and "THE NIGERIA PRISON SERVICE" at the upper arm of the cross; and

(b) shall have attached to it a ribbon one and a quarter of an inch wide divided laterally into five equal divisions of which the first shall be yellow, the second and fourth blue, the third green with a red stripe one sixteenth of an inch wide running along its centre, and the fifth yellow.

(2) The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal-

(a) shall consist of a circular disc of silver-plated metal having, on the obverse, the arms of the Federal Republic surrounded by the words "FEDERAL REPUB- LIC OF NIGERIA" and on the reverse a representation of a phoenix rising from a flame and looking towards the sun, the representation being surrounded by the words "NIGERIA PRISON SERVICE: FOR LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT"; and

(b) shall have attached to it a ribbon, one and three eighths of an inch wide, divided laterally into three equal divisions of which the first and third shall be khaki and the second rifle-green, with a silver stripe one eighth of an inch wide running down its centre.

(3) The Meritorious Service Medal-

(a) shall consist of a circular disc of gold-plated metal having on the obverse the arms of the Federal Republic surrounded by the words "NIGERIA PRISON SERVICE: FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE"; and

(b) shall have attached to it a ribbon one and three eighths of an inch wide divided laterally into three equal divisions of which the first shall be khaki, the second gold and the third rifle-green.

[Megan]

Wow! Thank you, Antonio.

[peter monahan]

Indeed! I spent two years in Nigeria, back when the earth was still cooling, but never anywhere I was exposed to any of the fancier medals and orders you list here. I think the only thing I actually saw worn were some Independence Medals on a couple senior officers of the armoured brigade stationed in my state.

The country was under military rule then, but very low key. One rarely saw a soldier except for the sergeants - poor buggers - who were stationed at every boys secondary school in the country to 'instill discipline' after the Beloved Leader was booed on a visit to a school. The Biafran War was also fairly recent, so military displays were not all that popular!

[Antonio Prieto]

Here you can download the complete PDF document, include some poor images

http://www.placng.org/new/laws/N43.pdf

Some chiefs and officers in recent pictures show a lot o new ribbon, unkowns for me

Edited September 8, 2013 by Antonio Prieto

[Megan]

Thanks, Antonio - found it for myself yesterday! You'd kicked me into action

Now starting to gather materials to improve that section of my site....

[Megan]

Inspired by Antonio, I have started in on the Nigerian section of my website.

First is the Order of the Federal Republic, instituted 1 October 1963 and awarded in 4 grades (Grand Commander, Commander, Officer and Member) for distinguished public service to the Republic. It was modified in 1977 and at some point a Medal - in silver or bronze - was added (not yet sure if that was in 1977 or later).

Here is the Grand Commander Star, first type (1963-1977):

[peter monahan]

Excellent! Thanks to both of you!

[Megan]

Continuing with the Order of the Federal Republic, here is the 2nd Type Grand Commander insignia:

Badge:

Star:

The main changes from the first type are the ribbons and the lettering on the green circlet.

[Megan]

Continuing with the Order of the Federal Republic, after the 1977 revamp, there are silver and bronze medals - I think they were added in 1977 - no documentary evidence but I haven't seen any earlier ones!

Silver Medal (reverse is plain):

Bronze Medal:

[Megan]

Oh yes, forgot to say, in 1977 a military division was instituted - the above ones are all from the civil division. Insignia was identical, but a red stripe was added in the centre of the ribbon (in the middle of the central white stripe for the medals).

[Megan]

Here is the sole example of the Military division of the Order of the Federal Republic that I have so far found, the Bronze Medal.

[peter monahan]

Well done again! The ribbon colours, if nothing else, bring back memories.

[Colin Davie]

I have 3 medals, might have more in my other boxes, can't remember bought them years ago for about five UK pounds each.

Republic Medal 1963-1973

Defence Service Medal 1967-1970

Armed Forces Distinguished Service Medal

C

[Megan]

The second of Nigeria's "Orders of Distinction" (as they term them) is the Order of the Niger. It was also instituted 1 October 1963 and modified in 1977. Alas I cannot find any pictures of Type 1 (1963-1977), but originally the order was awarded in four classes - Grand Commander, Commander, Officer and Member - for public service, with green and white ribbon, the pattern varying with class.

In 1977 silver and bronze medals were added, the order was split into civil and military divisions and the ribbon was changed to a red, white and green one - the same for all classes of the order, with a white edge for the medals and an additional central red stripe for the military division.

Here is a Type 2 Commander, Civil:

And a Silver Medal, also Civil:

[Megan]

Here is the Civil Bronze Medal:

Again the reverse is plain.

[heusy68]

Hello gentlemen, there is enormous lacks of datas concerning the first insignias of the Orders of Nigeria.

But here are mine, Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (O.F.R.) first type & Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (M.F.R.) first type.

Emmanuel

[heusy68]

It seems there is some variation in the enameled version (some sources refer to post 1977 for enameled breast star & badges).

But it seems Megan has show us 2 version of the breast star of the Order of the Federal Republic, one with G.C.F.R. on the motto (Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic), and one without. This information is very interesting

What I can show is that there was low calss that were manufactured very differently (see last picture of reverse of both badge of the 4th class).

The one with the tiny red stripe in center is for the military division.

Emmanuel

[heusy68]

For Order of the Niger, I just own 1 badge of the lowest class of the first type.

Often this Order (M.O.N.) : Member of the Order of the Niger is confused by collectors & dealers with a medal, but it's an Order.

Emmanuel

[heusy68]

For the Order of the Niger 2nd Type, it again seems there is version with post nominal letters on motto (like here the commander & the officer badge : C.O.N. & O.O.N. respectively),and version without (the member badge). Same for the reverse, the Officer's badge bear the word : NIGERIA on its back.

That one was awarded to : Lt-Colonel Blair Stewart Wilson in 1989.

Anyway not so easy to get, espceially with document.

Emmanuel

Edited September 25, 2013 by heusy68

[heusy68]

Here is the River Niger Star for bravery (2nd highest Nigeria gallantry award).

Reverse is blank.

Emmanuel

[heusy68]

Here is the River Benue Star (for gallantry), and it's the 3rd highest Nigeria award for gallantry.

Reverse is blank.

Emmanuel

[heusy68]

Here , the Nigeria Eagle Medal (it's metal gilt, not gold !).

Emmanuel

[heusy68]

Here the Nigeria Army Distinguished Service Medal

Emmanuel