Nigeria deploys 157 soldiers for peacekeeping in South Sudan

The Nigerian Army has warned the 157 soldiers it is sending on a peacekeeping mission in South Sudan to be good ambassadors of their country.

The soldiers just completed pre-deployment training and set for a peacekeeping mission at Abyei in South Sudan.

The army authorities advised them to avoid sexual exploitation and drug trafficking, saying such acts could tarnish Nigeria’s image.

The Army’s Chief of Operation, Maj.-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, gave the warning while addressing the troops at the graduation ceremony from their pre-deployment training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) at Jaji in Kaduna State.

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The troops, who are of the Nigerian Company 2 to the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (NIGCOY 2 UNISFA), consisted of 15 officers and 142 soldiers.

General Sinjen reminded the troops to always be guided by the rules of engagement while observing human rights and respecting diversity in the operating environment.

The chief of operation said the contingent’s graduation demonstrated the commitment and capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to deploy quality peacekeepers as part of its contributions to global peace and security.

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He noted that Nigeria’s National Defence Policy maintained the security and stability of Africa with specific emphasis on the West African sub-region.

Sinjen said this was the reason Nigeria would continue to seek global peace and security by contributing and participating in Peace Support Operations around the world.

NAN