The Nigerian Army on Friday completed pre-deployment training for 197 troops for a peace-keeping mission in Gambia.
The troops of the Nigerian Company 8 ECOWAS
Mission in the Gambia (NIGCOY 8 ECOMIG), began the pre-deployment training on 3
April.
The training was held at the Martin Luther
Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in Jaji,
Kaduna State.
Addressing the contingent, the Chief of
Operations, Army, Taoreed Lagbaja, reaffirmed the commitment of Nigeria to
deploy quality peacekeepers as part of its contributions to international peace
and security.
He said that this was in tune with the policy
direction of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mr Lagbaja, who was represented by the
Commandant of MLAILPKC, Emmanuel Undiandeye, said the training was aimed at
refreshing and polishing the knowledge and expertise of the troops in peace
support operations.
“Secondly, the training was to enable you to
have a firm grasp of all the rudiments involved in the protection of a
civilian-mandated mission, ” he said.
He explained that the tactical skills
imparted to the contingent will put them in good stead to accomplish assigned
tasks in fulfilment of the ECOMIG mandate.
Mr Lagbaja, a major-general, said: “I was
also informed of your commendable performance during the pre-deployment
training.”
“This is a testimony to your enthusiasm to
the training and the upcoming deployment to the mission area.
“I implore you to remain focused and
committed throughout your tour of duty in the Gambia.”
He also urged the troops to deliver excellent
services and exemplary leadership to promote the image of the Armed Forces and
Nigeria at large.
“I must warn you to desist from any form of
untoward incidents that could tarnish the image of the Armed Forces and Nigeria
at large.
“As such you must at all times conduct
yourselves professionally,” he added.
Mr Lagbaja reminded the troops that the Armed
Forces of Nigeria and the United Nations have zero tolerance for sexual
exploitation and abuse.
“By the powers reposed on me, I hereby affirm
and confirm that the troops of Nigeria Company 8 to the ECOWAS Mission in the
Gambia have successfully completed the pre-deployment training at MLAILPKC and
are certified suitable for deployment to the Gambia,” Mr Lagbaja said.
Earlier, the Deputy Commandant of MLAILPKC,
Sunday Makolo, said the 4-weeks training was intense, comprehensive, and
conducted in line with UN core pre-deployment training manuals and curriculums.
He said that the aim of the training was to
equip the contingent with the requisite skills to function effectively in the
Gambia.
“The pre-deployment training focused on both
tactical, as well as contemporary cross-cutting issues like sexual exploitation
and abuse, conflict-related sexual violence, conduct and discipline as well as
protection of civilians amongst others.
“This graduation is a reflection of the
quality of human resources and training facilities in the centre.
“To the men of the Nigerian Company 8 ECOMIG,
you must not forget that you are ambassadors of our great nation.
“Therefore, you must strive to bring to bear
all what you have learnt at the centre to protect yourselves in implementing
the mission’s mandate, ” he said.
Mr Makolo, a brigadier-general, commended the
officers, instructors, facilitators and other staff of the centre for their
commitment to the training.
“I must also thank the commandant for his
relentless support and guidance,” he added.
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