By John Ikani
The Nigerian Army has deployed 62 soldiers and officers to Mali on a peacekeeping mission.
The Army Deputy Chief of Training, Brigadier General Hassan Dada announced this on Friday at the passing out parade of the troops from the General Martin Luther Agwai Peacekeeping Centre in Jaji, Kaduna state.
The passing out ceremony comes ahead of their departure to Bamako, the capital of Mali, as they are expected to depart Nigeria immediately after their induction.
Special Guest at the event, Chief of military training, Maj.Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim who was represented by Brig. Gen . Hassan Dada, reiterated the commitments of Nigeria’s armed forces to contribute its quota in ensuring lasting and sustainable peace across the sub-Sahara region and by extension, Africa.
He urged the graduands to be sensitive to the cultural and religious beliefs of their host nation, which he noted would create a hospitable environment for the medical support troops to discharge core duties of the mandate satisfactorily.
”I caution you to avoid any ugly incident that could tarnish the corporate image of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in particular and the nation in general.
”I must categorically state that you must discharge your duties in full adherence to the mission’s mandate at all times.
”Mali is a fellow West African country that has been facing serious political, security, socio-economic, humanitarian and human right challenges after a coalition of taureq and other terrorist groups attacked and captured some territories in the country since 2012.
”The situation led to the deployment of AU and French Forces which later transformed into the UN Multidimensional integrated stabilization mission in Mali (MINUSMA) with a security council mandate which includes the protection of civilians.
”The hospital provides support and healthcare services to injured peacekeepers and UN staff serving in the Timbuktu Region,” he stated.
Highlights of activities at the ceremony were a simulation, presentation of certificate to the contingent, push-ups by senior military officers among others at the ceremony.
