By MOHAMMAD TIJJANI

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

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 197 troops underwent training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre, Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna.

The Special Guest of Honour, Chief of Operations (Army), Maj-Gen.Uwem Bassey said the rigorous training was to prepare them for their mission.

Bassey was represented by the Deputy Chief of Operations (Army) Force Generation, Maj.-Gen. Ishaya Maina.

Bassey said Nigeria 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.

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 are not only representatives of Nigeria but also ambassadors of peace for the entire West Africa.

“Sexual exploitation and abuse have no place in our world. They violate everything that the United Nations stands for.

“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.

He said Nigerian Army had played key roles in restoring peace and stability in conflict zones across West Africa across 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.

“Nigerian peacekeepers have repeatedly earned global citations and medals for leadership, bravery and professional competence.

“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 on-going challenges that require attention to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens, “Bassey said.

He charged the troops to be discipline, respect and uphold professionalism in peacekeeping operations.

Earlier, the Commandant of the centre, Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the graduation marked the completion of the Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) for Nigerian Contingent in ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).

Adedoja said, 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. Today, we celebrate yet another milestone as we graduate another batch of well- trained troops, ready to contribute to regional peace and stability.

“The training curriculum was designed in line with UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials (CPTM) and included mission-specific training on topics such as Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices and financial management for peacekeepers.

“The troops received tactical training on occupation and security of base camp, convoy drills, and protection of VIPs, among others,” he said.

The commandant emphasised the importance of conduct and discipline, reminding the troops that any act of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), misconduct, and human rights violations would not be tolerated.

“Your conduct and professionalism in the mission area will define not only your personal reputation but also that of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large.

“Please note that any act of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), misconduct and human rights violations will not be tolerated.”

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

He also thanked the Board of Trustees, sister training institutions, and facilitators/instructors for their contributions to the programme. (NAN)