The Federal Government is to maintain zero tolerance to troop’s misconduct while embarking on Peacekeeping Operations under the United Nations Strategic Partnership.
Minister of Defence Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi made the declaration during a meeting with the United Nations Peacekeeping Strategic Partnership delegation led by the Director, Major General Jai Menon (rtd) in Ship House, Garki, Abuja.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni remarked that International Partakers in Peacekeeping Operations have severally attended to the discipline and good conduct of Nigerian Troops during such operations.
General Magashi however noted that the excellent performances of Nigerian contingents in Peacekeeping Operations around the globe are not without challenges on conducts leading to infractions.
He emphasized that Nigeria, as a member of the United Nations, wholly respect the laws of the Union, including the security council resolution 2272 on the behavior and conduct of Troops during Peacekeeping Operation outside Nigeria.
The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government is ever willing to cooperate with the UN Peacekeeping office to change the narrative on troops misconduct and other related issues including allegation of sexual exploitation and abuse on Nigerian troops.
He explained that the Government has been able to categories the allegations leveled against Nigerian contingents and has resolved some and meted out sanctions where necessary, adding that pending cases are being studied and would be concluded in the shortest possible time.
General Magashi pointed out further that the Armed Forces are doing deliberate sensitization of Soldiers on the need to observe and respect the dignity of people in whatever circumstances they find themselves.
Earlier, the Head of the delegation and Director of the office for Peacekeeping Strategy Partnership Major General Jai Menon had expressed delight over the prompt response of the Nigerian Government to allegation of misconduct against some Soldiers who participated in Peacekeeping Operations under the United Nations.
General Menon stressed the need for information sharing between Nigeria and the Mission on the conduct of contingents in Peacekeeping Operations.
The Director of Peace Support Operations, Ministry of Defence, Major General Sani Mohammed said the Nigerian contingents have made the country proud from commencement of the Operations till date.
He expressed appreciation to the Defence Minister, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi for the continuous support and understanding to the Peace Support Operations Department of the Ministry.
Victoria Agba-Attah
Director (Press)
