Troops of Nigerian Contingent 4 for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), comprising 18 officers and 168 soldiers, have concluded a 9-week pre-deployment training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC).

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour, Chief of Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, reminded the troops of their responsibilities in upholding professionalism, discipline, and Nigeria’s strong peacekeeping reputation.

Represented by the Director of Force Generation, Brig.-Gen. Muhammed Kana, Saraso emphasised the United Nations’ zero tolerance policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), charging the personnel to uphold the values of the Nigerian Army, incorporate teamwork and serve as true ambassadors of peace.

The Commandant, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), Maj.- Gen. Dagana Allu, said that since its establishment, the Centre has trained over 100,000 peacekeepers who have served with distinction in various United Nations and regional missions.

Allu described the event as another milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to international peace and security, adding that the graduating troops had successfully completed intensive pre-deployment training designed to prepare them for the complex operational environment in Abyei.

He disclosed that the contingent had undergone medical screening before receiving comprehensive training in line with United Nations standards, covering peacekeeping principles, rules of engagement and conduct, including the zero tolerance policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

Allu stated that the training included mission specific and tactical exercises to enhance operational readiness, expressing confidence that the troops would uphold Nigeria’s legacy of professionalism and excellence in peacekeeping operations.

He appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his sterling leadership and continuous support to the Centre.

According to the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, MLAILPKC, Lt. Koni Kambai, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies of the Centre, Brig.-Gen. Gabriel Esho, in a vote of thanks, appreciated the support of Army Headquarters, the leadership of the Commandant and the dedication of the training team.

Similarly, the Department of Army Policy and Plans has held a Sensitisation Workshop on Nigerian Army Policies for personnel of 2 Division Nigerian Army, Ibadan, to deepen their understanding on Nigerian Army Policies, intent and practical application in the field.

The Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) Maj.-Gen. B.A. Alabi, who declared open the workshop, stated that the policies of the Nigerian Army are not mere administrative documents but carefully considered directives, derived from national laws, constitutional provisions, and best military practices.

Represented by the Director Policy, Brig.-Gen W.O. Ubi, Alabi said the aim of the workshop was to clarify the roles and responsibilities of commanders and troops in policy implementation and to encourage feedback from the field to inform future policy formulations and reviews to better improve Nigerian Army policies.

Lectures delivered were on Nigerian Army Administrative Policies and Procedures Revised, Nigerian Army Engineering Building Construction Aide Memoire, Dress Regulations Booklet, Nigerian Army Policy on Barracks Accommodation, Nigerian Army Guidelines for conduct of Service Personnel Attached to Retired Officers during Elections and Nigerian Army Protocol Handbook.

Others were Nigerian Army Policy on Drugs and Substance Abuse, Battle Casualty Replacement of Personnel in the Nigerian Army Operations, Policy on the Employment of Unmanned Aerial Systems in the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Army Policy on Energy Consumption, Nigerian Army State of readiness pamphlet and Policy on Engagement/Re-engagement of Discharge/Retired Personnel for Principal Staff Officersl (PSO) among others.