The Nigerian Army announced on Wednesday the deployment of 177 personnel for a peacekeeping mission in Guinea-Bissau.
The Chief of Operations, Nigerian Army, Major General Boniface Sinjen, made the announcement at the graduation ceremony of troops of Nigerian Company 3 ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji.
Sinjen said, “Guinea-Bissau is grappling with political instability and institutional crises, which pose a significant threat to peace and sustainable development in the sub-region.
”This deployment is in line with the mandate of the mission, which has been extended several times 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 stabilising the country.
”I therefore urge you to remain committed to upholding the principles of ECOWAS peacekeeping operations.
“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 reminded them that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation and abuse.
“Any personnel found guilty of such offences will face severe consequences,” he warned.
Sinjen also cautioned that drug trafficking and abuse were grave offences that would not be condoned in any form.
“The Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of discipline and integrity remains unbroken,” he added.
