The Nigerian Army is set to deploy 157 officers and soldiers for a peacekeeping mission in Abiye, South Sudan.

The Army authority, however, warned them to avoid acts like sexual exploitation and drug trafficking, capable of bringing Nigeria to shame.

Nigerian Army’s Chief of Operation, Major-General Boniface Sinjen, gave the warning while addressing the troops at the graduation ceremony from their pre-deployment training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), Jaji, Kaduna state.

The troops, who are of the Nigerian Company 2 to the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (NIGCOY 2 UNISFA), consisted of 15 officers and 142 soldiers.

Maj.-General Sinjen, while reminding the troops constantly to be guided by the rules of engagement while observing human rights and respecting diversity in the operating environment, told them to shun acts such as sexual exploitation, drug trafficking and other mission misconducts capable of tarnishing the image of Nigeria.

The Chief of Operations said the contingent’s graduation demonstrated the commitment and capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to deploy quality peacekeepers as part of its contributions to global peace and security.

He noted: “Nigeria’s National Defence Policy remained the security and stability of Africa with specific emphasis on the West African Sub-Region.

“Hence, Nigeria will continue to seek global peace and security by contributing and participating in Peace Support Operations around the world.”

Earlier, the Commandant of the MLAILPKC, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja said the unit commenced the 6-week pre-deployment training on 27 January 2024, explaining that, the training was to equip the earmarked unit with the requisite skills and knowledge to function effectively and efficiently in their deployment to Abyei.

Adedoja said as part of the training, the troops were taken through crosscutting issues like sexual exploitation and abuse, conflict-related sexual violence, conduct and discipline as well as protection of civilians, amongst others.

The Commandant said, “As the powerhouse of the West Africa subregion, Nigeria has committed both human and material resources to achieving peace in the subregion.

“This graduation is a testament to the capacity and capability of the MLAILPKC as a United Nations accredited Centre to train quality peacekeepers for deployment to multidimensional Peace Support Operations in fulfilment of her mandate.

“The centre has within the last six weeks been able to train, retrain and refresh the troops on requisite knowledge and expertise to succeed in a Peace Support Operational environment.

“It is my fervent belief that these men are better informed and equipped to perform their roles in Abyei.”