UN awards 140 Nigerian Blue Helmets

The United Nations has honoured 140 Nigerian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) for their courage and commitment to peacekeeping.

Deputy chief of the United Nations Police Component (UNPOL), Brig-Gen. Jean Voillot, recently presided over the ceremony that held in Timbuktu.

The medal recipients, including 40 women, were members of the Nigerian Formed Police Unit (FPU).

The UN Medal rewards peacekeepers (‘Blue Helmets’), who spent 90 days in MINUSMA, particularly in northern Mali.

It is noteworthy that this unit of the UN police conducts daily, long and medium range patrols with the Malian Defence and Security Forces, including the police and the gendarmerie, in Timbuktu and the surrounding villages, as well as conducts escorts and security operations, allowing people to go about their businesses in serenity.

“You will receive the UN medal, which is both a testimony and a mark of recognition of the international community for your participation in the efforts and work done for the stabilisation and maintenance of peace in Mali,” said Voillot.