The Nigerian Armed Forces have deployed 197 troops to the ECOWAS Mission in Gambia (ECOMIG), following their graduation from an intensive pre-deployment training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna.
The deployment was announced on Friday during a formal passing-out ceremony, attended by top military officials and stakeholders.
Representing the Chief of Operations (Army), Maj-Gen. Uwem Bassey, the Deputy Chief of Operations (Army) Force Generation, Maj-Gen. Ishaya Maina, emphasised that the comprehensive training was aimed at preparing the troops for the critical task of peacekeeping in a region striving for long-term stability.
“You carry the Green-White-Green flag into a land seeking stability, order, and hope. You are going, not as conquerors, but as guardians of peace protecting lives, building trust, and restoring dignity where it has been lost,” Bassey said.
He reminded the troops that Nigeria has a longstanding reputation for excellence in international peacekeeping missions, with its soldiers recognised globally for bravery, professionalism, and leadership in various conflict zones.
“From Lebanon to Liberia, Sierra Leone to Sudan, Nigerian peacekeepers have stood firm in defence of the oppressed, the vulnerable, and those caught in the crossfire of war. Nigerian troops continue to perform admirably in places like The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Abyei in South Sudan,” he noted.
While commending the troops for their dedication, Bassey reiterated the importance of discipline and professionalism during the mission, especially in upholding human dignity and respecting local customs and laws.
He issued a strong warning against misconduct, particularly sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), saying:
“Sexual exploitation and abuse have no place in our world. They violate everything the United Nations stands for. Any violation will be met with severe disciplinary action.”
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Earlier in his remarks, the Commandant of the Peacekeeping Centre, Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, described the graduation as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s contribution to regional stability. He said the training had been tailored to meet international standards and included mission-specific modules.
“The training curriculum was designed in line with the UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials and included key subjects such as Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices, financial management for peacekeepers, convoy drills, base security, and VIP protection,” Adedoja explained.
He reminded the troops that their conduct in Gambia would reflect not only on them as individuals but also on the Nigerian Armed Forces and the country as a whole.
“Any act of sexual exploitation and abuse, misconduct, or human rights violations will not be tolerated,” he warned.
Adedoja expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his unwavering support and strategic leadership, and thanked the Board of Trustees, sister institutions, and facilitators for their roles in making the programme a success.
According to reports, the current security situation in Gambia is relatively stable, but ongoing challenges remain, requiring sustained support from regional peacekeeping forces like ECOMIG.
