The pioneer Commander of Nigerian Army Woman’s Corps (NAWC), Major General Preye Fakrogha (Rtd), has called for more women’s involvement in combat operations.

Speaking at the public presentation of his book, ‘Women in Military Service in Nigeria, he stated that women have been involved in war fighting in Nigeria both as combatants and non-combatants since ancient times but their services have not

been documented due to non-recognition of their roles.

General Preye revealed that as an erstwhile Commander of the Nigerian Army Women’s Corp, which was the first in Africa, he has seen the inexhaustible potentials of women and their zest for combat operations.

“The most important factor in operational success is the mind. Unfortunately, when discussing personnel, the female members of the military are often either overlooked or brushed aside; little wonder why there is little or no formal document on females in the military, especially the Nigerian Army. This book seeks to pioneer the literature.

“There has hardly been any point in the history of war fighting and conflicts in Nigeria where women are not involved. Women like Queen Amina of Zazzua and Queen Moremi of Ife are examples of women who led troupes to victory. Women in the military today are willing and capable of undertaking and successfully executing every operational task if properly trained and managed”

Adding: “In 2018, the Nigerian Army established the Nigerian Army Women’s Corps and I have the honour of being the pioneer commander, and it exposed me to firsthand experience of the challenges and huge potentials of women in the military in Nigeria.

“In other nations, women are trained in hacking and other highly combatant intellectual skill set. Nigeria can embrace that more women should be involved in combat operations.”

In her remarks, the book reviewer, Dr. Blossom Ottoh-Agede, stated that the 165-page book could not have come at a better time than now, given that women in the military are relegated to the background.

According to her, the book will encourage more women’s involvement in combat operations.

She said: “The book is timely and it will add to the scarce literature on women in the military who have over the years, been relegated to the back background. It will also encourage more women in combat operations.”

Also, the Former Chief of Defense Staff of Nigeria, General Lucky Irabor, revealed that the military was expanding the soft element of combat which women are more suitable to fit in.

“We are currently expanding the soft elements of combat which women are suitable for. While in service, I signed a gender policy document which of course guides the employment of women in the armed forces. This book helps to create the needed awareness of the great possibility of women in Nigerian military”, he said.