Africa

Nigeria Army Heads to Gambia for Mission

Published

7 months ago

Jun 14, 2024.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the Armed Forces of Nigeria has announced the deployment of 197 personnel for a peacekeeping mission in The Gambia.

Maj-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, Chief of Operations of the Nigerian Army, disclosed this deployment on Friday in Jaji, Kaduna State, during the graduation of troops from Nigerian Company 9 Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the 197 troops began their Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) on May 4 at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in Jaji, Kaduna State.

According to Sinjen, the PDT aligns with the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to deploy quality peacekeepers in support of international peace and security. He stated that the training had equipped the troops with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge required for peace support operations.

“It has prepared you for the protection of civilians and the accomplishment of assigned tasks under the ECOMIG mandate. You have learned the importance of teamwork, leadership, and cultural sensitivity, as well as other factors that would ensure your success in the mission area. You have been trained in the latest techniques and procedures for maintaining peace and stability in a complex environment and instilled with the values of discipline, respect for human rights, and compassion for the people you are going out there to protect. Your mission comes at a critical time, as The Gambia faces a period of uncertainty and instability,” he said.

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Sinjen emphasized that the political crisis in The Gambia has affected many innocent civilians and that the presence of Nigerian troops would help sustain the existing peace and stability in the region. He highlighted the crucial role of the troops in maintaining peace, protecting lives, and promoting sustainable development.

Sinjen charged the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights. He advised them to adhere strictly to the ECOWAS mandate, which guides their mission and ensures their actions align with the principles of peace, stability, and human rights.

“Remember that your conduct will not only reflect on yourselves but also on your country, the ECOWAS region, and the international community. You are, therefore, expected to approach all interactions with sensibility and respect. Be mindful of the local customs, traditions, and socio-political dynamics of the mission area. You must remain vigilant in the face of potential security threats and avoid any actions that may be perceived as insensitive,” he said.

He reiterated the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse in line with United Nations policies, warning that any form of sexual exploitation and abuse would be met with severe consequences.

“As ambassadors of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and our great nation, you must uphold the esteemed values and enviable image of this country,” Sinjen said.

Earlier, Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, Commandant of MLAILPKC, stated that the six-week training had been intense and comprehensive, conducted in line with the Standard UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Modules.

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