The Armed Forces of Nigeria announced on Friday the deployment of 197 personnel for a peacekeeping mission in the Gambia. This move comes amid escalating insecurity in Nigeria, characterized by increased incidents of banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.
Maj-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, Chief of Operations of the Nigerian Army, disclosed the deployment during the graduation ceremony of troops of the Nigerian Company 9 Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), held in Jaji, Kaduna State. 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 Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to deploy high-quality peacekeepers in support of international peace and security. He emphasized that the training equipped the troops with the tactical skills and knowledge necessary for peace support operations.
“It has prepared you for the protection of civilians and the accomplishment of assigned tasks under the ECOMIG mandate,” Sinjen said. “You have learned the importance of teamwork, leadership, and cultural sensitivity, as well as other factors that will 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.”
He noted that their mission comes at a critical time as The Gambia faces a period of uncertainty and instability. The country’s political crisis has severely impacted the lives of many innocent civilians, and the presence of Nigerian troops is essential to sustaining peace and stability in the region.
“Your role is crucial in maintaining peace, protecting lives, and promoting sustainable development,” he stated.
Sinjen urged the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights. He advised them to strictly adhere to the ECOWAS mandate guiding their mission, ensuring that their actions align with principles of peace, stability, and human rights.
“Remember that your conduct will reflect not only on yourselves but also on your country, the ECOWAS region, and the international community,” he emphasized. “You are expected to approach all interactions with sensitivity and respect, being mindful of local customs, traditions, and the socio-political dynamics of the mission area. Remain vigilant in the face of potential security threats and avoid actions that may be perceived as insensitive.”
Sinjen also highlighted the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, in line with United Nations policies. He warned that any form of sexual exploitation and abuse would result in 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 added.
Earlier, Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, Commandant of MLAILPKC, remarked that the six-week training had been intense and comprehensive, conducted in line with Standard UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Modules. He explained that the PDT was designed to equip the troops with the necessary skills and knowledge to function effectively and efficiently in their deployment to the Gambia.
Adedoja detailed that the troops were trained on cross-cutting issues such as Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Conduct and Discipline, and Protection of Civilians, among others. He praised the Centre’s capacity to conduct quality training for prospective peacekeepers, preparing them for multidimensional Peace Support Operations.
“The graduation ceremony is a testament to the commitment of Nigeria and the Nigerian Armed Forces to global peace and security,” Adedoja said. “The Centre has within the last six weeks been able to train, retrain, and refresh the troops on the 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.”
NAN
