Why United Nations fighting vehicles are present in Benin – Defence Headquarters

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has explained why there are some United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping fighting vehicles in Benin City, Edo state.

Some Nigerians on social media alleged that the presence of the vehicles suggests that the country could be under threat.

However, the spokesman of Defence Headquarters Tukur Gusau allayed any fears, explaining that there is nothing for Nigerians to be afraid of.

“The Defence Headquarters wishes to react to some social media video clips been circulated arising from the presence of some United Nations Peacekeeping fighting vehicles and equipment sighted recently in Benin, Edo state,” Gusau said.

“This has resulted to insinuations which are inimical to public peace and may even cause panic.

“The Defence Headquarters hereby state that presently, Nigeria is contributing troops to various United Nations Peace keeping operations, the most recent is United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Southern Sudan.

“The Mission is commanded by a Nigerian, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr. It should be noted that the UN doesn’t have its own troops, rather it enter into agreement with troops contributing countries to provide their personnel and equipment for operations in its various missions.”

Gusau said it is important to note that the military fighting vehicles and equipment are being moved through the Warri port for movement to the mission area in Southern Sudan to join up with Nigerian troops who were inducted into UNISFA mission in March 2023.