Nigeria to deploy 700 peacekeepers to Liberia
Xinhua, July 23, 2016 Adjust font size:
At least 700 Nigerian military personnel would be deployed to Liberia for peacekeeping operations, the country's Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai said Friday.
The deployment was being undertaken by the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Center (NAPKC) in northern city of Jaji in Kaduna, Buratai said during the Graduation Ceremony of Nigerian Army Battalion (NIBATT) 38 United Nation Mission in Liberia, (UNMIL).
The Army chief warned the officers and soldiers to avoid untoward incidents that could tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army in particular and that of the nation in general.
He said the Nigerian Army would not accept any situation where its troops were seen as soft targets or conducting themselves in unprofessional manner such as engagement in dealing with illicit substances.
"I must also remind you of the United Nations zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse," he added, noting that the Nigeria Army and indeed the Nigerian Government will not tolerate the contravention of these policies and directives.
"You must respect the culture and religious sensitivity of the people of Liberia," Buratai said.
Earlier, the Commandant of the NAPKC, Brig Gen, Adamu Dauda, urged the troops to always be good ambassadors of the Nigerian Armed Forces in particular and the nation in general.
Dauda said the NIBATT 38 UNMIL commenced the Pre-Deployment Training four weeks ago which the training was intensive and comprehensive. Endit