Abstract

This study investigates the linguistic practices within the Nigerian Army, with emphasis on the use of command codes and multilingual communication. While English is the official language of command, informal interactions often involve Nigerian Pidgin and indigenous languages. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews and non- participant observation with serving personnel. Findings reveal that military language is shaped by both institutional hierarchy and Nigeria’s multilingual setting. Features such as code-switching, euphemism, and compressed directives, which reflect the pragmatic and functional nature of military interaction, will be taken into consideration by the researchers. It concludes that language policy in military training should reflect Nigeria’s linguistic reality to enhance operational efficiency.