By Maryam Ahmadu-Suka
Kaduna — The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has charged the 700 officers and men, which will be part of the United Nations Mission in Liberia, to protect the image of the country.
Speaking at the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre (NAPKC), Jaji in Kaduna, the COAS maintained that the image of Nigerian Army which is respected the world over must be protected by its officers and men.
Represented by the Chief, Training and Operations, Nigerian Army, Major General H. Umaru, Buratai said the graduation further confirms the commitment of Nigeria to deploying quality peace keepers.
He added: “I must warn you to avoid untoward incident(s) that could tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army in particular and the nation in general. The Nigerian Army will not accept any situation where its troops are seen as soft targets or conducting themselves in unprofessional manner such as trafficking in illicit substances of any kind including alcohol and drugs as these practices negate United Nations ethics.
“As the Chief of Army Staff, I have been fully briefed on your preparatory activities since the unit was designated for deployment. The pre-deployment training at this centre of excellence was aimed at refreshing and polishing your knowledge and expertise in peace support operations,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commandant of NAPKC, Brigadier General A. M. Dauda, said the graduands of NIBATT 38 commenced training four weeks ago in preparation for induction. “The training was intensive and comprehensive in line with the UN pre-deployment modules, policy direction of COAS and COAS vision which is ‘to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.’ This must remain in focus throughout the deployment of NIBATT 38 in Liberia,” he said.
