The Nigerian Army has deployed another contingent of 86 personnel to the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB), reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, security and stability as well as its leadership in peace support operations across West Africa.
The troops, serving under Nigerian Company 5 (NIGCOY 5 ESSMGB), departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, aboard a Nigerian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and arrived safely in Guinea-Bissau to commence their assignment under the ECOWAS mandate.
Before the deployment from the Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Forward Operating Base in Abuja, the Chief of Operations (Army), Major General MLD Saraso, represented by the Director of Peace Support Operations, Brigadier General MM Idris, urged the personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and operational excellence throughout the mission.
He charged the troops to remain worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Federal Republic of Nigeria by faithfully executing the mission mandate and respecting the laws, customs and traditions of the host nation.
“You must maintain zero tolerance for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), substance abuse, indiscipline and the irresponsible use of social media,” Idris told the troops on behalf of the Chief of Operations.
The Army said the deployment reflects Nigeria’s enduring commitment to regional and international peace support operations, building on decades of service under the ECOWAS, African Union and United Nations frameworks.
It added that through the professionalism, resilience and dedication of its personnel, the Nigerian Army remains a dependable pillar of regional collective security and continues to project Nigeria’s leadership in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and post-conflict stabilisation across the African continent.
