By Hosea Parah, Abuja
On Tuesday, the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) graduated 171 personnel from Nigerian Contingent 3, who are now set to be deployed to Abyei as part of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
The deployment is seen as a significant contribution to international peacekeeping efforts, with the troops preparing to rotate with Nigerian Contingent 2, which had been deployed the previous year and completed its mission earlier this year.
The graduation ceremony took place at the MLAILPKC parade ground at the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State. It marked the completion of a rigorous six-week Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) program designed to equip the troops for the challenges they will face during their mission in Abyei.
Major General Boniface Sinjen, the Chief of Operations Army, was the Special Guest of Honour at the event. In his address, he emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to global peace efforts, noting that Nigerian troops have played vital roles in restoring stability in conflict zones worldwide. He urged the graduates to uphold the high standards of professionalism and discipline that Nigerian peacekeepers are known for.
The trained personnel received specialized instruction in several critical areas, including combat lifesaving, MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle operations, base camp management, convoy drills, and other field exercises, all aimed at ensuring their readiness for the mission.
In his remarks, Major General Sinjen also extended his gratitude to Major General Ademola Adedoja, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, and the training team for their dedication in preparing the troops. He assured them of the Nigerian Army’s full support for the contingents.
Furthermore, Major General Adedoja highlighted that MLAILPKC, a UN-accredited institution, conducted the training in line with the United Nations Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials (CPTM). He expressed confidence that the troops are well-prepared and ready to represent Nigeria with the professionalism and discipline that has become synonymous with Nigerian peacekeepers.
This deployment is an important step in Nigeria’s continued commitment to peacekeeping and stability efforts in Africa and beyond.