FG to deploy 700 soldiers in Liberia

Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, has disclosed that 700 military personnel would be deployed to Liberia for Peacekeeping operations.

Buratai said this during the graduation ceremony of Nigerian Army Battalion (NIBATT) 38 United Nation Mission in Liberia, (UNMIL) in Kaduna.

Hassan Umaru, chief of training and operation, represented Buratai at the graduation ceremony.

He said the deployment was being undertaken by the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre (NAPKC) Jaji, Kaduna

Buratai, however, warned the officers and soldiers to avoid untoward incidents that could tarnish the image of the Nigerian army in particular and that of the nation in general.

He said the Nigerian army would not accept any situation where its troops were seen as soft targets or conducting themselves in unprofessional manner such as engagement in dealing with illicit substances.

“I must also remind you of the United Nations zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse,” he said.

“The Nigeria army and indeed the Nigerian government will not tolerate the contravention of these policies and directives.

“Defaulters will be sanctioned appropriately, and you must work within the rules of engagement of the mission.

“You must respect the culture and religious sensitivity of the people of Liberia.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, Adamu Dauda, commandant of the NAPKC, urged them to always be good ambassadors of the Nigerian armed forces in particular and the nation in general.

Dauda said the NIBATT 38 UNMIL “commenced the Pre-Deployment Training four weeks ago which the training was intensive and comprehensive”.

“We remained committed to providing enabling environment for learning,” he said.