The Nigerian Armed Forces deployed no fewer than 197 troops to the ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG) on Friday.

The 197 troops underwent training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna.

Chief of operations (army), Maj-Gen. Uwem Bassey said the rigorous training was to prepare them for their mission. He was represented by the Deputy Chief of Operations (Army) Force Generation, Maj.-Gen. Ishaya Maina.

Mr Bassey said the country had a long history of contributing to international peacekeeping efforts, with Nigerian peacekeepers earning global recognition for their leadership, bravery, and professional competence.

He said the troops were expected to maintain discipline, impartiality, and respect for human dignity while carrying out their mandate in The Gambia.

Mr Bassey emphasised the importance of preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), stressing that any violation would be met with severe disciplinary action.

He reminded the troops to respect the local laws and traditions of the people of The Gambia and to uphold the values that define Nigeria as a great nation.

“You carry the Green-White-Green flag into a land seeking stability, order, and hope. You are going, not as conquerors, but as guardians of peace protecting lives, building trust, and restoring dignity where it has been lost,“ he said.

Mr Bassey said the Nigerian Army had played a key role in restoring peace and stability in conflict zones across West Africa and the world.

“From Lebanon to Liberia, Sierra Leone to Sudan, Nigerian peacekeepers stood firm in defence of the oppressed, the vulnerable and those caught in the crossfire of war.

“Today, Nigeria remains a pillar of international peace efforts, with our troops performing exceptionally well in The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Abyei in South Sudan.

“The current security situation in The Gambia is relatively stable; however, there are ongoing challenges that require attention to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens,” Mr Bassey said.

Earlier, the commandant of the centre, Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja said the graduation marked the completion of the pre-deployment training (PDT) for the Nigerian contingent in the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).

Mr Adedoja said that in the first quarter of this year, the centre successfully trained United Nations Interim Security Force 3 for Abyei.

“The troops are currently deployed in Abyei, South Sudan,” he said.

The commandant emphasised the importance of conduct and discipline, reminding the troops that any act of sexual exploitation and abuse, misconduct, and human rights violations would not be tolerated.

The commandant expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his support and strategic leadership.

(NAN)