By John Ikani
The Nigeria Army announced on Wednesday that 177 soldiers have been sent on a peacekeeping mission to Guinea-Bissau.
Chief of Operations Boniface Sinjen revealed this at the graduation ceremony of Nigerian Company 3 ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau, held at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in Jaji.
Mr. Sinjen, a major general, stated, “Guinea-Bissau is grappling with political instability and institutional crisis, which poses a significant threat to peace and sustainable development in the sub-region.”
He assured that the Nigerian government, in collaboration with ECOWAS, is committed to supporting Guinea-Bissau’s government and citizens.
Mr. Sinjen highlighted that the graduation underscores their steadfast dedication to reinforcing the authority of Guinea-Bissau’s government.
This initiative aims to tackle security issues, bolster democratic governance, and promote stability in the region.
“This deployment is in line with the mandate of the mission which has been extended severally to consolidate the relative peace and stability in the country.
“You gallant men of the Nigerian Army have been trained by this renowned Centre of Excellence to play that critical role.
“This Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) has equipped you with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge to support the government of Guinea-Bissau in stabilizing the country.
“I therefore urge you to remain committed to upholding the principles of ECOWAS peacekeeping operations,” he said.
The chief of operations urged the troops to maintain professionalism in line with the mission’s guidelines.
“You will be operating in a complex and diverse environment, where various ethnic groups coexist.
“I implore you to maintain the highest level of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights and the sovereignty of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
“As ambassadors of Nigeria, your behaviour will reflect on the nation’s image, so I urge you to uphold the highest standards of conduct and maintain the integrity of our esteemed profession,” he said.
Mr. Sinjen encouraged them to exemplify the core values of the Nigerian Armed Forces and avoid actions that could jeopardize the mission or the nation’s reputation.
He stressed the Nigerian Armed Forces’ zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse.
“Any personnel found guilty of such offences will face severe consequences,” he warned.
Mr. Sinjen also stated that drug trafficking and abuse are serious offences that will not be tolerated in any form.
“The Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of discipline and integrity remains unbroken,” he added.
Mr. Sinjen expressed gratitude to Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, for his unwavering support in enhancing peacekeeping troops’ effectiveness through realistic training, which is a key aspect of his leadership philosophy.
“His leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the readiness and capabilities of our troops and I am deeply appreciative of his support,” he said.
Commandant of MLAILPKC, Ademola Adedoja, mentioned that the PDT, which began on May 19, was designed to prepare the contingent for modern peacekeeping missions in Guinea-Bissau.
Mr. Adedoja stated that during the PDT, troops received extensive training on contemporary peacekeeping operations, focusing on Guinea-Bissau’s unique security challenges.
He said the training also included comprehensive lectures on the mission’s background, current situations, and mandate.
“Additionally, the troops were exposed to mentally and physically engaging exercises to equip them with the necessary knowledge and tactical skills required in peacekeeping operations in line with the United Nations Core PDT modules.
“As you stand ready to embark on this critical mission, I urge you to carry the spirit of excellence with you.
“Your contribution to the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission will be instrumental in shaping the future of Guinea-Bissau, thus promoting peace, stability and development in West Africa.
“You are not just representing the Armed Forces of Nigeria but also serving as ambassadors of our great nation,” Mr. Adedoja said.
