The Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre concluded the training of 157 army personnel designated for a peacekeeping operation in Abyei, South Sudan, on Wednesday.
These troops, primarily from Nigerian Company 2 of the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (NIGCOY 2 UNISFA), comprised 15 officers and 142 soldiers.
Maj. Gen. Boniface Sinjen, the Chief of Operations at Army Headquarters, addressed the troops during their pre-deployment graduation ceremony. He highlighted that this event underscored the commitment and capability of the Nigerian Armed Forces in deploying skilled peacekeepers, contributing to global peace and security efforts.
Sinjen emphasized Nigeria’s national defense policy, which prioritizes the security and stability of Africa, particularly the West African sub-region. He noted Nigeria’s ongoing dedication to global peace and security through its involvement in peace support operations worldwide.
Highlighting Nigeria’s extensive peacekeeping history, Sinjen mentioned that Nigeria has participated in over 40 peacekeeping missions and deployed more than 100,000 peacekeepers since its first mission in the Congo in 1960. He stressed that Nigerian peacekeepers, alongside others globally, have played a crucial role in assisting distressed nations in restoring peace and facilitating development.
Regarding the UNISFA mission, Sinjen explained its establishment to restore peace and stability in Abyei following its demilitarization in June 2011, transitioning it into an administrative town under UN control. The mission’s mandate includes protecting civilians facing imminent threats of violence, safeguarding the area from unauthorized incursions, and maintaining security.
Sinjen concluded by acknowledging the mission’s success in restoring peace and stability in Abyei, attributing it to the troops’ professional conduct.
