Nigeria deploys 171 troops to Sudan, South Sudan borders for UN peacekeeping

The Nigerian Army has deployed 171 troops to Abyei, a contested region on the border between Sudan and South Sudan, for a United Nations peacekeeping mission.
At the graduation ceremony for the Nigerian Contingent 3 of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), held at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre in Kaduna, Chief of Operations, Major General Boniface Sinjen, emphasized the significance of their mission. He noted that UN peacekeeping is not just about military presence but also about promoting peace, diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts.

Nigeria has a long history of contributing to peacekeeping operations across Africa and beyond, playing key roles in restoring stability in conflict zones. Sinjen acknowledged the fragile security situation in Abyei, marked by intercommunal conflicts, armed clashes, and humanitarian crises. He urged the troops to remain disciplined, impartial, and respectful of human dignity throughout their mission.

Highlighting the UN's zero-tolerance policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), he warned that any violation would lead to severe disciplinary action. He also encouraged the troops to work as a team, stay vigilant, and uphold Nigeria’s reputation in peacekeeping operations.

The Commandant of the Peacekeeping Centre, Major General Ademola Adedoja, praised the new batch of peacekeepers, stating that they are part of a long legacy of Nigerian troops contributing to global peace and security. Since its establishment, the centre has trained over 100,000 peacekeepers who have served in Liberia, Darfur, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Abyei.

The training for the Abyei-bound troops included medical screening, UN peacekeeping principles, rules of engagement, international law, and specialized combat medic and armored vehicle operations. Experts from the German Training Advisory Group and the Nigerian Army School of Infantry provided hands-on training to prepare them for real-life scenarios.

Major General Adedoja expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his leadership and commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s peacekeeping training programs. He assured that the troops are well-equipped to carry out their mandate effectively and represent Nigeria with honor.

This latest deployment reinforces Nigeria’s strong commitment to international peace and stability, with the troops set to make a meaningful impact in Abyei.