Nigerian Army troops deployed for peacekeeping mission
Nigerian Army has prepared 173 personnel for a peacekeeping operation in Guinea Bissau under the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission (ESSMGB).
The training took place at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in Jaji, Kaduna State.
Chief of Operations Army, Maj.-Gen. Uwem Bassey, represented by Maj.-Gen. Nansak Shagaya, Deputy Chief of Operations Army Peace Support Operations, commended the troops for completing their pre-deployment training.
He encouraged them to embody courage, integrity, and professionalism while prioritizing the safety and security of Guinea Bissau’s citizens, in line with Nigeria’s legacy of contributing to global peace efforts.
Bassey highlighted Nigeria’s esteemed reputation in peacekeeping missions across regions like Lebanon, Liberia, The Gambia, Abyei in South Sudan, and Guinea Bissau.
He urged the troops to maintain discipline, impartiality, and respect for human dignity, emphasizing a strict zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, with severe consequences for violations. Quoting UN Secretary-General António Guterres, he reiterated, “We must demonstrate zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse.”
He also praised the MLAILPKC’s Commandant and training team for their dedication in equipping the troops for the mission.
The Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, noted that the centre has trained over 100,000 peacekeepers who have served with distinction in UN, AU, and ECOWAS missions.
He highlighted the success of previous contingents, including those currently deployed in Abyei and The Gambia, who continue to uphold Nigeria’s reputation through their professionalism.
Adedoja stated that the graduating troops underwent five weeks of rigorous training and comprehensive medical screenings by the Nigerian Army Medical Corps.
He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his leadership and support in maintaining MLAILPKC as a UN-accredited Centre of Excellence.
The Commandant reminded the troops that their conduct in Guinea Bissau would reflect on the Nigerian Army and the nation.
He urged them to uphold high standards of discipline, professionalism, and respect for local customs while contributing to regional peace and stability.
