Queen Amina
One of the greatest warriors ever to emerge from Africa in the sixteenth century was Queen Amina of Zazzau. Born around 1533 in Zazzau, now known as Zaria in the northern part of Nigeria, Amina acquired battle skills while understudying with the soldiers of the Zazzau military.
Upon the death of Bakwa in 1566, the rule of Zazzau fell on her younger brother, Karama, as customary in those days. After ten years on the throne, Karama died and the leadership baton fell on Queen Amina.
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She became an accomplished warrior ensuring safe passage for Zazzau and other Hausa traders throughout the Saharan region, conquering all the towns as far as Kwarafa in the north and Nupe in the south.
She invented the use of metal armour for the purposes of warfare in Hausaland, including iron helmets and chain mail, as well as, building fortifications around Zazzau and her military camps; some have endured till today.
She personally led military expeditions of over 20,000 infantrymen to innumerable battles. For her bravery and accomplishments, a statue was built in her honour at the National Arts Theatre, Lagos, Nigeria, and several educational institutions in Nigeria bear her name.
