The Armed Forces of Nigeria recently announced the deployment of 197 personnel for a peacekeeping mission in The Gambia. This deployment follows extensive Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) conducted at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in Jaji, Kaduna State.
Major-General Boniface Sinjen, the Chief of Operations Nigerian Army, emphasized the importance of this mission in supporting international peace and security. The training equipped the troops with essential tactical skills and knowledge necessary for peace support operations under the ECOMIG mandate.
Sinjen underscored the critical timing of the mission amidst political uncertainty and instability in The Gambia, stressing that the presence of Nigerian peacekeepers would contribute to sustaining existing peace and stability in the region. He urged the troops to uphold professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights while executing their duties.
The deployment aims to protect civilians and accomplish assigned tasks under the ECOWAS mandate, promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in The Gambia. Sinjen reminded the troops of their role as ambassadors of Nigeria and cautioned against any actions that could undermine their mission or the reputation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The Commandant of MLAILPKC, Major-General Ademola Adedoja, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the training, which covered core areas such as conflict-related sexual violence, protection of civilians, and conduct and discipline. He expressed confidence in the troops’ readiness to function effectively in the peace support operation environment.
Overall, the deployment of Nigerian troops to The Gambia reflects Nigeria’s commitment to global peacekeeping efforts and demonstrates its capability to train and deploy personnel for complex peace support operations.