The Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre concluded the training of 157 Army troops earmarked for a peacekeeping mission to Abyei in South Sudan. This deployment arrives amidst Nigeria grappling with various security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, herders/farmers conflicts, and kidnapping.
Numerous security experts advocate for bolstering security personnel to effectively tackle these challenges. The troops deployed, predominantly from Nigerian Company 2 to the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (NIGCOY 2 UNISFA), comprised 15 officers and 142 soldiers.
Maj.-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, Chief of Operations at Army Headquarters, addressed the troops during their pre-deployment graduation ceremony. He highlighted the event as a testament to the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s dedication and capability to dispatch proficient peacekeepers, contributing to global peace and security.
READ ALSO: Otti Flags Off 30km Arochukwu-Ozuabam Road Project
Emphasizing Nigeria’s National Defence Policy’s focus on securing and stabilizing Africa, particularly the West African sub-region, Sinjen reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to global peace and security through active participation in Peace Support Operations worldwide.
He underscored Nigeria’s extensive peacekeeping history, citing participation in over 40 missions and the deployment of more than 100,000 peacekeepers since its inaugural mission in the Congo in 1960.
“All Nigerian peacekeepers alongside others from around the world have aided the course of humanity while helping nations in distress to restore peace and enthrone much-desired development.
“The UNISFA was established to restore peace and stability in Abyei after the demilitarisation of Abyei in June 2011, making it an administrative town under the control of the United Nations.
“Essentially, the mission is mandated to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, protect the area from incursions by unauthorised elements and ensure security.
“The mission has also helped to restore peace and stability in Abyei through the professional conduct of the troops,” he said.
He urged the contingent to shun acts such as sexual exploitation and abuse and other mission misconducts capable of tarnishing the image of Nigeria.
Singen also mandated them to always be guided by the rules of engagement while observing human rights and respect for diversity in the operating environment. #ARMY
Earlier, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the unit began the 6-week pre-deployment training on Jan. 27, 2024.
He said the pre-deployment training was to equip the earmarked unit with the requisite skills and knowledge to function effectively and efficiently in their deployment to Abyei.