Nigeria to send 157 troops on South Sudan peacekeeping mission

LAGOS – Nigeria will deploy 157 soldiers to the peacekeeping mission in Abyei, South Sudan, with a stern warning against misconduct that could tarnish the country’s image.

Major-General Boniface Sinjen, the Nigerian Army’s Chief of Operation, emphasized the importance of upholding high standards during the deployment.

“Shun acts such as sexual exploitation, drug trafficking and other mission misconducts capable of tarnishing the image of Nigeria,” he told troops during their graduation ceremony.

The contingent, part of the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA), includes 15 officers and 142 soldiers. They completed six weeks of pre-deployment training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in Jaji, Kaduna state.

Maj.-Gen. Sinjen stressed the importance of respecting human rights and diversity while adhering to the rules of engagement. He underscored Nigeria’s commitment to global peace and security and its active role in peacekeeping missions.

“Nigeria’s National Defence Policy remained the security and stability of Africa with specific emphasis on the West African Sub-Region. Hence, Nigeria will continue to seek global peace and security by contributing and participating in Peace Support Operations around the world,” he said.

MLAILPKC Commandant Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja explained that the training equipped the troops for effective operations in Abyei and included instruction on issues like sexual exploitation, conflict-related sexual violence, conduct, and civilian protection.

“As the powerhouse of the West Africa subregion, Nigeria has committed both human and material resources to achieving peace in the subregion. This graduation is a testament to the capacity and capability of the MLAILPKC as a United Nations accredited Centre to train quality peacekeepers for deployment to multidimensional Peace Support Operations in fulfilment of her mandate,” Adedoja said.

“It is my fervent belief that these men are better informed and equipped to perform their roles in Abyei.”