The Nigerian Army, on Friday, completed pre-deployment training for 185 troops for peace keeping mission in Guinea Bissau.
The 185 troops began their pre-deployment training on January 6, at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre, MLAILPKC, Jaji, Kaduna State.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said that the troops will be Nigeria’s Company 8, in the ECOWAS Mission, in Guinea Bissau.
Buratai was represented by Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, NASI.
According to him, the graduation further confirmed the commitment of Nigeria to deploy quality peacekeepers, as part of its contributions to the quest for global peace and security.
He explained that the pre-deployment training was aimed at refreshing and polishing their knowledge and expertise in peace support operation.
“The training was to equip you with the requisite skills required to protect yourselves, ECOWAS Mission, in Guinea, equipment and the citizens of Guinea Bissau, your host nation, while carrying out the mission’s mandate.”
Buratai cautioned the troops to avoid any ugly incident that could tarnish the image of the Army and Nigeria, during their stay in Guinea Bissau.
“Let me categorically state that you are to discharge your duties in consonance with the mission’s mandate at all times.
“I must also remind you that the rules of engagement in the mission give you the latitude to exhibit utmost professionalism in the discharge of your responsibilities.
“Additionally, you must respect the culture and religious sensitivity of the people of the host nation, and must not involve yourselves in trafficking of illicit substance of any kind.”
He added that the ECOWAS Mission has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse.
“The Nigerian Army and indeed the government will also not tolerate the contravention of these policies”, he said.
