The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Friday announced the deployment of 197 personnel for a peacekeeping mission in The Gambia.
The Chief of Operations of the Nigerian Army, Major General Boniface Sinjen, made the announcement in Jaji, Kaduna State.
Sinjen revealed this at the graduation of troops of the Nigerian Company 9 Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia.
The News Agency of Nigeria is reporting that the 197 troops began Pre-Deployment Training on May 4, 2024 at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre in Jaji, Kaduna State.
According to Sinjen, the PDT is in line with the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in deploying quality peacekeepers in support of international peace and security.
He said the training had equipped them with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge required for peace support operations.
He said: “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.”
According to Sinjen, the country’s political crisis has affected the lives of many innocent civilians and their presence will sustain the existing peace and stability in the region.
He said: “Your role is crucial in maintaining peace, protecting lives and promoting sustainable development.”
He 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 your mission and ensures that your actions align with the principles of peace, stability and human rights”.
Sinjen said: “Remember that your conduct will not only reflect on yourselves, but also on your country, the ECOWAS region and the international community.
“Additionally, your training has exposed you to the culture and religious diversity of The Gambia.
“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 action that may be perceived as insensitive.”
Sinjen said that as peacekeepers in a sovereign nation, they must adhere strictly to the UN principles and guidelines for peacekeeping operations.
He added: “Respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of The Gambia and avoid any actions that may be perceived as interference in the country’s internal affairs.”
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse in line with United Nations’ policies.
He said: “Therefore, any form of sexual exploitation and abuse will 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.”
Earlier, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Major General Ademola Adedoja, said the six weeks training had been intense, comprehensive, and was conducted in line with the Standard UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Modules.
Adedoja said the PDT was to equip the earmarked unit with the requisite skills and knowledge to function effectively and efficiently in their deployment to The Gambia.
He said as part of their training, the troops were taken through crosscutting issues like Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Conflict Related Sexual Violence, Conduct and Discipline as well as Protection of Civilians amongst others.
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He said: “This graduation is a testament to the capacity and capability of the MLAILPKC as a United Nations accredited Centre to conduct quality training of prospective peacekeepers for deployment to multidimensional Peace Support Operations in fulfillment of her mandate.
“The Centre has within the last six weeks been able to train, retrain and refresh the troops on requisite knowledge and expertise to succeed in a Peace Support Operation environment.
“It is my fervent belief that these men are better informed and equipped to perform their roles in The Gambia.”
Adedoja said the graduation ceremony once more showed the commitment of Nigeria and its Armed Forces to global peace and security.
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