<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Friday, announced the deployment of 197 personnel for the peace keeping mission in the Gambia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is despite the insecurity scourge raging across Nigeria with heightening cases of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Chief of Operations Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Boniface Sinjen disclosed the deployment in Jaji, Kaduna State, at the graduation of troops of Nigerian Company 9 Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), report that the 197 troops began Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) on May 4, at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji Kaduna State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to him, the PDT is in line with the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt -Gen Taoreed Lagbaja and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in deploying quality peacekeepers in support of international peace and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said that the training had equipped them with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge required for peace support operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt has prepared you for the protection of civilians and the accomplishment of assigned tasks under the ECOMIG mandate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou have learned the importance of teamwork, leadership and cultural sensitivity as well as other factors that would ensure your success in the mission area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou have been trained in the latest techniques and procedures for maintaining peace and stability in a complex environment and instilled with the values of discipline, respect for human rights and compassion for the people you are going out there to protect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour mission comes at a critical time, as The Gambia faces a period of
uncertainty and instability,\u201c he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to him, the country\u2019s political crisis has affected the lives of many innocent civilians and their presence will sustain the existing peace and stability to the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour role is crucial in maintaining peace, protecting lives and promoting sustainable development,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sinjen charged the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He advised them to adhere strictly to the ECOWAS\u2019 mandate, which \u201cguides your mission and ensure that your actions align with the principles of peace, stability and human rights.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201dRemember that your conduct will not only reflect on yourselves but also on your country, the ECOWAS region and the international community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou are, therefore, expected to approach all interactions with sensibility and respect. Be mindful of the local customs, traditions and socio-political dynamics of the mission area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201dYou must remain vigilant in the face of potential security threats and avoid any actions that may be perceived as insensitive,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had zero-tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse in line with United Nations\u2019 policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201dTherefore, any form of sexual exploitation and abuse will be met with severe consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs ambassadors of the armed Forces of Nigeria and our great nation, you must uphold the esteemed values and enviable image of this country,\u201c Sinjen said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earlier, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the six weeks training had been intense, comprehensive, and was conducted in line with the Standard UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Modules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adedoja said the PDT was to equip the earmarked unit with the requisite skills and knowledge to function effectively and efficiently in their deployment to the Gambia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said as part of their training, the troops were taken through crosscutting issues like Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Conflict Related Sexual Violence, Conduct and Discipline as well as Protection of Civilians amongst others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis graduation is a testament to the capacity and capability of the MLAILPKC as a United Nations accredited Centre to conduct quality training of prospective peacekeepers for deployment to multidimensional Peace Support Operations in fulfilment of her mandate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Centre has within the last six weeks been able to train, retrain and refresh the troops on requisite knowledge and expertise to succeed in a Peace Support Operation environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201dIt is my fervent belief that these men are better informed and equipped to perform their roles in the Gambia,\u201c Adedoja said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the graduation ceremony once more showed the commitment of Nigeria and the Nigerian Armed Forces to global peace and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NAN<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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