The Nigerian Army has trained 174 soldiers to embark on a crucial peacekeeping mission in Guinea Bissau.

 The troops of Nigerian Company 4, ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea Bissau (ESSMGB) were trained at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji, Kaduna State.

The Chief of Operations Army, Maj.-Gen. Uwem Bassey, who is the special guest of honour, congratulated the troops on completing their pre-deployment training.

 Mr Uwem, represented by the Deputy Chief of Operations Army Peace Support Operations, Maj.-Gen., Nansak Shagaya, urged the trainees to uphold the values of courage, integrity, and professionalism.

 According to him, the mission aims to ensure the safety and security of Guinea Bissau’s citizens, building on Nigeria’s long history of contributing to international peace efforts.

 He said, “Nigerian peacekeepers have earned global recognition for their leadership, bravery, and professional competence in various conflict zones, including Lebanon, Liberia, The Gambia, Abyei in South Sudan, and Guinea-Bissau.’’

He charged the troops to maintain high standards of conduct and discipline, embody the principles of discipline, impartiality, and respect for human dignity.

He also tasked them to build upon the foundation laid by previous troops and achieve mission objectives, urging them to inspire confidence and trust in the host communities and respect local laws and traditions

Mr Uwem emphasised the importance of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), stressing that any violation would be met with severe sanctions.

 He quoted the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, as saying “We must demonstrate zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse.’’

 He expressed appreciation to the Commandant and Training Team of the Military Leadership and Allied Instructional and Logistic Peacekeeping Centre for their tireless efforts in preparing the troops for the mission.

 Earlier the Commandant, MLAILPKC, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said that the centre successfully trained two streams of which were the United Nations Interim Security Force 3 for Abyei and ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia.

Mr Adedoja noted that the contingents were currently deployed in the mission areas and making the nation proud through their exemplary service, professionalism and commitment to duty.

He said, “Their dedication and selfless service is a testament to the ideals and values imbibed in them while at this centre. Today, we celebrate yet another milestone as we graduate another batch of well-trained troops, ready to contribute to regional peace and stability in Guinea Bissau. Since the establishment of MLAILPKC, the Centre has trained over 100,000 peacekeepers who have successfully served with distinction in various UN and regional peacekeeping missions such as AU and ECOWAS.’’

According to him, the feat is a testament to Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to global peace and security.

He noted, “Accordingly, the graduating troops before us today have successfully completed the design to equip them with the necessary expertise to confront the harsh realities and most challenging nature of peace support operations. I have no doubt that the troops before us today will uphold Nigeria’s proud legacy and contribute immensely to the Mission in Guinea Bissau.’’

 He said the graduating troops underwent five weeks training and underwent a comprehensive medical screening conducted by a team from the Nigerian Army Medical Corps.

Mr Adedoja appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his visionary leadership and strategic guidance.

 According to him, his guidance and commitment to capacity building in peacekeeping has been instrumental in ensuring that the MLAILPKC remains a UN-accredited Centre of Excellence.

He added, “We remain grateful for the resources and enablers provided under his leadership. As you embark on this noble task, I must remind you that your responsibilities as peacekeepers extend far beyond the battlefield. Your conduct and professionalism in the mission area will define not only your personal reputation but also that of the Nigerian Army and the nation at large. I urge you all to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism and respect for local cultures throughout your tour of duty.’’

(NAN)