On Friday June 14th, the Nigerian Armed Forces declared the deployment of 197 soldiers to the Gambia for the purpose of maintaining peace.

At the troops’ graduation from Nigerian Company 9 Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), in Jaji, Kaduna state, Maj.-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, the Chief of Operations for the Nigerian Army, made the announcement.

He claims that the PDT is consistent with the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s and Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja’s commitment to deploying high-caliber peacekeepers to assist global peace and security.

It has equipped you to fulfil your duties in accordance with the ECOMIG mandate and protect civilians. You now understand the value of leadership, cooperation, and cultural sensitivity in addition to other elements that will guarantee your success in the mission field.

“You have been inculcated with the principles of discipline, respect for human rights, and compassion for the people you are going out there to protect. You have also been schooled in the most recent methods and procedures for upholding peace and stability in a complicated environment.

The Gambia is going through a difficult time, and your mission comes at a crucial time,” he stated.

Sinjen gave the forces orders to maintain the greatest levels of discipline, professionalism, and human rights awareness.

He counselled them to make sure their actions are in line with the values of peace, stability, and human rights and to closely follow the ECOWAS mandate, which directs their mission.

He emphasised that they have a clear obligation to uphold the UN’s peacekeeping principles and rules as peacekeepers in a sovereign nation.

In accordance with UN regulations, he declared, the Armed Forces of Nigeria had a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse.

“Therefore, there will be serious repercussions for any kind of sexual abuse or exploitation. You must preserve the rich traditions and magnificent reputation of this nation as representatives of the Nigerian military forces and our wonderful country, Sinjen declared.

Prior to this, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, had stated that the training lasted six weeks and was rigorous, thorough, and followed the Standard UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Modules.

“This graduation serves as evidence of the MLAILPKC’s ability to fulfil its mandate as a United Nations-accredited centre by providing prospective peacekeepers with high-quality training for deployment to multidimensional peace support operations,” the speaker stated. (NAN)