The Nigerian Army, has announced that the force is deploying 177 personnel for a peacekeeping mission in Guinea-Bissau.
The Chief of Operations, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Boniface Sinjen, made this announced at the graduation ceremony of troops of Nigerian Company 3 ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau.
The event, held at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State, Sinjen said, “Guinea-Bissau is grappling with political instability and institutional crisis, which pose a significant threat to peace and sustainable development in the sub-region.”
Sinjen affirmed the Nigerian government, through ECOWAS, commitment to be united with the government and people of Guinea-Bissau.
“This deployment is in line with the mandate of the mission which has been extended severally to consolidate the relative peace and stability in the country.
“You gallant men of the Nigerian Army have been trained by this renowned centre of excellence to play that critical role.
“This Pre-Deployment Training has equipped you with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge to support the government of Guinea-Bissau in stabilising the country.
“I, therefore, urge you to remain committed to upholding the principles of ECOWAS peacekeeping operations,” Sinjen said.
The chief of operations charged the troops to maintain professional conduct in the discharge of their duties.
He emphasised that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation and abuse.
“Any personnel found guilty of such offences will face severe consequences,” he warned.
Sinjen appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his unwavering commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping troops through realistic training which was one of the key pillars of his command philosophy.