Army deploys 177 personnel in Guinea-Bissau for peacekeeping

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Army disclosed that 177 troops would be sent to Guinea-Bissau for a peacekeeping operation.

The announcement was made by Major General Boniface Sinjen, the Chief of Operations for the Nigerian Army, during the graduation ceremony of Nigerian Company 3 ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji.

Sinjen expressed concern about the political instability and institutional crises in Guinea-Bissau, highlighting the serious threat they pose to peace and sustainable development in the sub-region.

He also emphasized that the Nigerian government, in collaboration with ECOWAS, stands in solidarity with Guinea-Bissau’s government and its people.

Sinjen emphasized that the graduation ceremony underscored their firm dedication to assisting the government of Guinea Bissau in solidifying its control.

The primary goal is to tackle security issues, enhance democratic practices, and promote stability within the nation. This deployment aligns with the mission’s ongoing mandate, which has been renewed multiple times to uphold the existing peace and stability in Guinea Bissau.

Brave soldiers of the Nigerian Army, you have received top-notch training from this esteemed Center of Excellence to fulfill an essential role.

The Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) has provided you with the vital tactical skills and knowledge needed to assist the government of Guinea-Bissau in maintaining stability.

I encourage you to stay dedicated to supporting the principles of ECOWAS peacekeeping missions, he emphasized. The chief of operations instructed the troops to behave professionally as outlined by the mission guidelines.

Your mission will take place in a multifaceted and varied environment where different ethnic groups live together harmoniously.

I urge you to uphold the utmost professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights and Guinea-Bissau’s sovereignty.

As representatives of Nigeria, your actions will directly impact our country’s reputation. I implore you to adhere to the highest ethical standards, preserving the integrity of our esteemed profession, Sinjen emphasized.

He urged them to embody the fundamental principles of the Nigerian Armed Forces and avoid any behavior that may jeopardize the mission’s goals or tarnish our nation’s standing.

He stressed the importance of maintaining a strict policy against sexual exploitation and abuse within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Sinjen issued a stern warning that individuals caught engaging in such misconduct would be subject to severe penalties.

Additionally, he highlighted the serious nature of drug trafficking and abuse, emphasizing that these actions would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Sinjen reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering dedication to upholding principles of discipline and integrity at all times.

Sinjen expressed gratitude towards Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, for his dedicated efforts in improving the performance of peacekeeping troops by providing practical training, a fundamental aspect of his leadership approach.

Sinjen acknowledged the significant role played by Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja’s vision and guidance in enhancing the preparedness and skills of their troops, emphasizing his sincere appreciation for the Chief of Army Staff’s support.

Earlier, Major-General Ademola Adedoja, the Commandant of the Military Learning and Information Assurance Institute (MLAILPKC), highlighted that the Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) commencing on May 19 aimed to equip the contingent for their upcoming mission in Guinea-Bissau.

Adedoja emphasized that throughout the PDT, troops received extensive training through lectures focusing on modern peacekeeping strategies tailored to address the unique security issues prevalent in Guinea-Bissau.

Additionally, he mentioned that the training program covered in-depth discussions on the historical context and current conditions within the mission area, as well as a thorough understanding of the mission’s objectives.

Moreover, the soldiers underwent rigorous mental and physical training sessions to prepare them with the essential knowledge and tactical abilities needed for peacekeeping operations aligned with the United Nations Core PDT modules.

As you prepare to undertake this vital mission, I encourage you to uphold a standard of excellence. Your involvement in the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission will play a crucial role in influencing the future of Guinea-Bissau, fostering peace, stability, and progress in West Africa.

Remember that you are not only representing Nigeria’s Armed Forces but also serving as emissaries of our esteemed nation, emphasized Adedoja.