The Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Center, Jaji has concluded arrangement to deploy 800 personnel to Darfur, Sudan. The personnel, drafted from the 323 Battalion, Akure, under the 2 Div. of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, had undergone a four -week pre-deployment training at the centre.
Speaking at the graduation of the officers, the Commandant, Maj.-Gen. John Zaruwa said the training was part of the Army's effort to inject quality in the troops deployed on UN peacekeeping missions to various part of the world. “With great sense of pride, we are marking the end of another pre-deployment training as troops of NIBATT 39 are about to be inducted into the African Union/ United Nations Hybrid Operations in Darfur, Sudan.
“It is very vital for peacekeepers to be highly trained professionals capable of confronting the complex and multidimensional challenges of contemporary peace keeping environment.”
Zaruwa said the personnel had received adequate training to ensure effective performance in peace support operations within the Sudan environment. He urged the personnel, who comprised of 753 soldiers and 44 officers to display high standard in their conduct.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Ibadan, Maj.-Gen. Muhammed Abubakar, urged the Army personnel to be disciplined and restrain from any act capable of tarnishing the image of the country. “You must not involve yourselve in the trafficking of illicit substances especially alcohol and drugs as it is very offensive to the cultural values of the Darfur people.
“I must also remind you of the UN zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and i am confident that you would live above board.”