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Soldiers of the Royal Niger Company

Image Daily Life
Group of uniformed soldiers with two artillery cannons.
Soldiers with field artillery, Royal Niger Company, 1886-1895. Photographer: William Henry Crosse.

A photograph depicting approximately twelve men of African descent in light-colored military uniforms and dark pillbox caps. The subjects are positioned in a loose horizontal formation on a flat dirt expanse. Two light field artillery pieces, featuring dark metal barrels and wooden spoked wheels, are situated within the group. The background consists of a linear fence and tropical flora, including palm trees.

Community Notes

Onyeka Nwokike

Jul 27, 2026

The Royal Niger Company Constabulary was established in 1888 as a paramilitary force to protect commercial interests along the Niger and Benue rivers. The force was primarily composed of recruits termed Hausa, a broad designation for soldiers from the interior that frequently included individuals who were formerly enslaved and sought freedom through military service.

Onyeka Nwokike

Jul 27, 2026

The artillery pieces shown are 7-pounder rifled muzzle-loading (RML) mountain guns, which were standard for the Constabulary during riverine expeditions and field operations. The attire, consisting of white or khaki tunics and dark pillbox caps worn without footwear, aligns with contemporary descriptions of the unit's standard dress.

Onyeka Nwokike

Jul 27, 2026

The photograph was likely taken near Asaba, the administrative capital of the Royal Niger Company, or the nearby region of Onitsha. In May 1900, the Royal Niger Constabulary companies were amalgamated with the West African Field Force to form the Northern Nigeria Regiment of the West African Frontier Force (WAFF).

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1 comment
Rosemary Kale Guest
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Nice

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