By Enyichukwu Enemanna
At least 197 troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have been deployed to the ECOWAS mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) after undergoing training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna, North-Western region.
Deployment of the troops for the peacekeeping mission comes as Benue State, North-Central region of the West African nation, comes under serious attacks from armed men, where about 200 people have been reportedly killed, a development that forced President Bola Tinubu to embark on an emergency visit on Wednesday, where he also met with hospitalised victims.
But despite his charge on security forces to arrest the “criminals” behind the dastardly attacks, respite seems far from the agrarian state, where the governor, Hyacinth Alia, a clergy-turned-politician, has been accused of lacking capacity to protect affected communities.
On Friday, barely 48 hours after the President’s visit, herdsmen who are allegedly at the centre of the attacks invaded Wannune community in Tarka Local Government Area of the state, setting houses on fire and everything in sight, forcing residents to flee for safety.
While addressing the 197 troops ahead of their foreign mission, the Nigerian Army Chief of Operations, Major General Uwem Bassey, said they had undergone rigorous training to prepare them for their mission.
He said Nigeria has a long history of contributing to international peacekeeping efforts, with Nigerian peacekeepers earning global recognition for their leadership, bravery, and professional competence.
According to him, the troops are expected to maintain discipline, impartiality, and respect for human dignity while carrying out their mandate in The Gambia.
Bassey emphasised the importance of preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), stressing that any violation will be met with severe disciplinary action.
He reminded the troops to respect the local laws and traditions of the people of The Gambia and to uphold the values that define Nigeria as a great nation.
“You are not only representatives of Nigeria but also ambassadors of peace for the entire West Africa.
“Sexual exploitation and abuse have no place in our world. They violate everything that the United Nations stands for.
“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,” he stressed.
Bassey said the Nigerian Army has played key roles in restoring peace and stability in conflict zones across Africa and the world.
“From Lebanon to Liberia, Sierra Leone to Sudan, Nigerian peacekeepers stood firm in defence of the oppressed, the vulnerable, and those caught in the crossfire of war.
“Nigerian peacekeepers have repeatedly earned global citations and medals for leadership, bravery, and professional competence.
“Today, Nigeria remains a pillar of international peace efforts, with our troops performing exceptionally well in The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Abyei in South Sudan.
“The current security situation in Gambia is relatively stable; however, there are ongoing challenges that require attention to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.”
