NEWS
Nigeria Deploys Troops for Peace Keeping in Gambia
The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Friday, announced the deployment of 197 personnel for the peace keeping mission in the Gambia.
The Chief of Operations Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Boniface Sinjen made the announcement in Jaji, Kaduna State, at the graduation of troops of Nigerian Company 9 Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).
Report says that the 197 troops began Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) on May 4, at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji Kaduna State.
According to him, the PDT is in line with the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff , Lt -Gen Taoreed Lagbaja and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in deploying quality peacekeepers in support of international peace and security.
He said that the training had equipped them with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge required for peace support operations.
“It has prepared you for the protection of civilians and the accomplishment of assigned tasks under the ECOMIG mandate.
“You have learned the importance of teamwork, leadership and cultural sensitivity as well as other factors that would ensure your success in the mission area.
“You have been trained in the latest techniques and procedures for maintaining peace and stability in a complex environment and instilled with the values of discipline, respect for human rights and compassion for the people you are going out there to protect.
“Your mission comes at a critical time, as The Gambia faces a period of
uncertainty and instability, “he said.
According to him, the country’s political crisis has affected the lives of many innocent civilians and their presence will sustain the existing peace and stability to the region.
“Your role is crucial in maintaining peace, protecting lives and promoting sustainable development.”
Sinjen charged the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights.
He advised them to adhere strictly to the ECOWAS’ mandate, which guides your mission and ensure that your actions align with the principles of peace, stability and human rights.
”Remember that your conduct will not only reflect on yourselves but also on your country, the ECOWAS region and the international community.
”Additionally, your training has exposed you to the culture and religious diversity of The Gambia.
“You are, therefore, expected to approach all interactions with sensibility and respect. Be mindful of the local customs, traditions and socio-political dynamics of the mission area.
”You must remain vigilant in the face of potential security threats and avoid any actions that may be perceived as insensitive,” he said.
He said that as peacekeepers in a sovereign nation, they must adhere strictly to the UN principles and guidelines for peacekeeping operations.
“Respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of The Gambia and avoid any actions that may be perceived as interference in the country’s internal affairs.”
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had zero-tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse in line with United Nations’ policies.
”Therefore, any form of sexual exploitation and abuse will be met with severe consequences.
“As ambassadors of the armed Forces of Nigeria and our great nation, you must uphold the esteemed values and enviable image of this country, “Sinjen said.
Earlier, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the six weeks training had been intense, comprehensive, and was conducted in line with the Standard UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Modules.
Adedoja said the PDT was to equip the earmarked unit with the requisite skills and knowledge to function effectively and efficiently in their deployment to the Gambia.
He said as part of their 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.
“This graduation is a testament to the capacity and capability of the MLAILPKC as a United Nations accredited Centre to conduct quality training of prospective peacekeepers for deployment to multidimensional Peace Support Operations in fulfillment 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 Operation environment.
” It is my fervent belief that these men are better informed and equipped to perform their roles in the Gambia, “Adedoja said.
He said the graduation ceremony once more showed the commitment of Nigeria and the Nigerian Armed Forces to global peace and security. (NAN)
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
A businessman, Alhaji Danjuma, resident in the Brighter Area of Minna, Niger State, has appealed for prayers and public support following the alleged abduction of his two children by a security guard employed in his household.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday while the businessman was away from home.
Speaking via telephone from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he is currently observing religious activities, Alhaji Danjuma told journalists that the security guard, described as a Fulani man, allegedly took the children away on a motorcycle that had been provided for his use.
According to the distraught father, the guard informed members of the household that he was taking the children out to celebrate the Eid festivities and would return shortly.
However, when several hours passed without any sign of the children or the guard, concern grew among family members.
“The children left with him in the afternoon, but when evening came and they had not returned, we became worried and began searching for them,” Alhaji Danjuma said.
Family members reportedly visited several hospitals within Minna, fearing that the children and their caretaker might have been involved in a road accident.
Their search, however, yielded no results even as people gathered to discuss the strange development.
The situation took a more alarming turn later that evening when Alhaji Danjuma allegedly received a phone call from unidentified individuals who claimed to be holding the children.
According to him, the callers stated that they were in the Erena forest area of Shiroro Local Government Area and demanded money in exchange for the release of the children.
The development has heightened fears that the children may have been kidnapped, although details surrounding the incident remain unclear.
Alhaji Danjuma has since appealed to the public to join him in prayers and support efforts aimed at securing the safe return of his children.
“I am appealing to everyone to pray for us and for God to intervene so that this situation will end peacefully,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from security agencies or the Niger State Government regarding the alleged abduction.
Efforts to obtain confirmation from relevant authorities were unsuccessful.
The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity and kidnapping activities in parts of Niger State, particularly in communities bordering forested areas often linked to criminal operations.
Authorities are expected to provide further information as investigations continue.
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reopened the main airport in Ituri Province, the epicentre of the country’s ongoing Ebola outbreak, after a 10-day suspension of commercial flight operations.
The airport in Bunia, the capital of Ituri, resumed operations on Tuesday following the implementation of health and safety measures aimed at containing the spread of the disease.
The DRC is currently battling a major outbreak of Ebola, a highly contagious haemorrhagic fever that is suspected to have claimed at least 246 lives in the country and neighbouring Uganda, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
On May 23, authorities halted all commercial flights to and from Bunia Airport in eastern DRC, a region already affected by armed conflict. During the closure, only humanitarian and medical flights were permitted to operate.
Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba said the temporary shutdown was necessary to allow authorities to introduce measures designed to safeguard travellers and limit the risk of transmission.
Announcing the reopening on Tuesday, the transport ministry said an assessment of the outbreak response and monitoring systems had been conducted.
“Conditions are now in place for a gradual and safe resumption of flights.”
The government said the reopening would be carried out progressively while health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has re-assigned all four deputy governors of the institution.
The new responsibilities announced Monday night have seen Philip Ikeazor taking over the policy portfolio from Dr.
Muhammad Abdullahi.Dr.
Abdullahi moved from the Economic Policy Directorate to head Corporate Services.Emem Nnana Usoro leaves corporate services to supervise operations.
Lamido Yuguda was transferred from Operations to the Financial System Stability Directorate.
The CBN did not state reasons for the redeployment.
The bank said such changes were “to make use of the experience of senior officials in different areas of responsibility and to support evolving institutional priorities.” (NAN)
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