Skip to main content

FG to send 700 soldiers to Liberia

Even as the dreaded Boko Haram sect keeps tormenting the North-Eastern part of the country, no fewer than 700 officers and men of the Nigerian Army would depart the country for a peacekeeping operation in Monrovia, Liberia on Monday.

They were, however, warned to abide by the rules of engagement and respect the culture and tradition of the Liberian people during their stay in Liberia.

The General Officer Commanding, One Mechanised Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj-Gen. Kenneth Osuji, stated this at the graduation of troops at a pre-deployment training held at the Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, near Kaduna on Friday.

Osuji was also GOC of the 1 Brigade made up of the Nigerian Battalion 36 in the United Nations Mission in Liberia.

Osuji warned the troops against contracting the dreaded Ebola virus while in Liberia.

He also charged the officers to portray the country in a good light by avoiding any act capable of embarrassing the army.

Osuji said, “Be reminded that the Nigerian Army will not accept any situation where its troops are seen as soft targets or conducting themselves in unprofessional manners like engaging in the trafficking of illicit substances of any kind including alcohol and drugs.

“You must respect the cultural and religious sensitivity of the people of Liberia. You must exhibit the highest sense of personal/environmental hygiene as Liberia is just emerging from an Ebola epidemic.”

The Commandant, Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre, Maj-Gen. Imimitomi Birigeni, had earlier in his speech, said the pre-deployment training which commenced three weeks ago, was intensive and comprehensive in line with the United Nations pre-deployment modules.

Birigeni added that the troops had been trained on the requisite skills to operate under any prevailing conditions.

Comments

Popular Posts

President Zuma condemns killing of police officers

President Jacob Zuma has strongly condemned the killing of five police officers in the past week and called on members of the public to work with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime and the creation of safer communities.

Oshiomhole, wife postpone honeymoon

There were indications on Saturday that the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and his newly-wedded wife, Iara, have postponed their much expected honeymoon till June. Governor Oshiomhole had on Friday married former Miss Iara Fortes, an ex-model from Cape Verde, at a marriage ceremony witnessed by a large turnout of dignitaries from various sectors of the country and he was expected to proceed on a honeymoon with the new First Lady. But it was gathered that the couple had placed their honeymoon on hold in order to attend the inauguration ceremony of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) scheduled for May 29 in Abuja. Informed sources disclosed that the new couple might have their honeymoon in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The source said, “They are still in Nigeria. They will go for their honeymoon maybe in June.”