FG to send 700 soldiers to Liberia –GOC

JUNE 27, 2015 : GODWIN ISENYO 

 

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.

Copyright PUNCH.