DailyLegendng
The Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi says Nigeria has contributed over 100,000 peacekeepers in over 40 peacekeeping missions in Africa and across the globe since 1960.
Magashi stated this at the Joint World Press Conference on Tackling Insecurity in Nigeria organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture on Monday in Abuja.
According to him, the history of peacekeeping in Africa cannot be written without the commitment and sacrifices of Nigeria, saying the first contingent of Nigerian peacekeepers was deployed in 1960 shortly after independence.
“Since then, Nigeria has contributed over 100,000 peacekeepers in over 40 peacekeeping missions in Africa and across the globe.
“I must say with pride that our peacekeepers have had to restore peace in many conflict areas around the globe which has earned Nigeria many national and individual commendations from several nations.
“It is for this reason Nigeria was called upon as part of ECOWAS contingent deployed to Guinea Bissau under the auspices of the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Force after the coup attempt in February 2022.
“The contingents comprised of troops from Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana and Ivory Coast and were given a one-year renewable mandate to stabilize the country,” he said.
Magashi said that Nigeria had currently deployed 173 officers and soldiers as well as Nigerian Navy (NNS KADA) and her crew members for the mission in Guinea Bissau.
He said the Federal Government of Nigeria had remained committed to the peace support operation to maintain peace in the Republic of Guinea Bissau and would continue to remain the beacon of peace and stability of the ECOWAS sub-region.
“As we continue to gain experiences in an asymmetric operational environment, we would continue to review our processes based on the components of fighting power, which are conceptual, physical and morale.
“Doctrines are being formulated as tactics, techniques and procedures are constantly reviewed to meet up and overcome evolving asymmetric threats.
“With the utmost support of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammad Buhari, modern platforms and equipment are being procured for the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force whilst recruitment and quality training and re-training is being carried out.
“With respect to the morale component, the welfare of the fighting troops is being enhanced across the Services whilst ensuring that enthusiastic commanders with requisite experiences are given responsibility to command.
“We would continue to ensure efficient integration of the interdependent components for best operational outcomes leading to the restoration of peace and security all over the country,” he added.
The minister reassure Nigerians that the government and the armed forces in conjunction with other security agencies would remain committed and resolute in their collective efforts to facilitate the government’s drive of guaranteeing the safety of lives and properties across the country.
He added that the present administration had been doing everything possible to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
He urged all Nigerians to support the military in its effort towards ensuring peace and security to the nation.
DailyLegendng