The Nigerian Army on Friday deployed another batch of 700 officers and soldiers to Liberia on a peace keeping mission.

The troops are expected to depart Nigeria for Liberia in a couple of days.

Addressing the troops during their passing out ceremony from the Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State, ahead of their departure to Liberia, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, warned them that the Nigerian Army would not tolerate any act of cowardice or professional negligence while carrying out their operations in Liberia.

General Buratai told the contingent to abide by the rules of engagement, exhibit braveness as professionals and to also respect the cultural sensitivity of the people of Liberia.

He also reminded them of the United Nations’ zero tolerance on drug trafficking.

On his part, the Commandant of Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre, Major-General Imomotimi Birigeni, said that he had no doubt that the high level of enthusiasm and cohesion exhibited by the soldiers would reflect on their operational conduct.

He said that the troops had benefited from the mission’s special training which would enable them operate under general and unique conditions obtainable in Liberia.

The training, according to the authorities, was in line with the Nigerian Army Headquarters’ desire to ensure that troops receive the needed robust and theatre-specific pre-deployment training prior to their induction into peacekeeping missions.

Also in Jaji, the Army Chief told men of the Nigerian Army to take the fight against terror to the doorsteps of the dreaded Boko Haram sect and dislodge them, rather than waiting in defensive positions for the criminals to attack innocent citizens by surprise.

Speaking during the combined graduation ceremony of Basic Airborne Course 37 and Basic Rigger Course 23 of the Airborne Wing of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, General Buratai challenged the troops to adopt offensive disposition and respond quickly and appropriately to all situations.

The Army chief also said that his vision for the Nigerian Army is to have a professional responsive force capable of discharging its constitutional roles. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows General Buratai.

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