Earlier today, 157 Nigerian army troops who will soon be fully deployed to the war-torn country of Northeast Africa under the umbrella of the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei, NIGCOY 2 UNISFA, were given final orientation by the Chief of Operations. They consist of 15 officers and 142 soldiers.
Nigeria’s afrocentric foreign policy drives its national defence policy, which focuses on the security and stability of Africa. The Chief of Operations, Army Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Boniface Sinjen, emphasised the importance of this while addressing the troops, encouraging them to contribute to global peace and security, and championing the goal of the United Nations. He further stated that Nigeria had successfully participated in over 40 peacekeeping missions and had deployed more than 100,000 peacekeepers since her first mission in the Congo in 1960.
Abyei, an oil-rich border town between South Sudan and Sudan, has stirred up a contentious issue between the duo. Recently, their clash was rekindled, hence the deployment.
Since the inception of UNISFA (United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei) in 2011, Nigeria has greatly contributed to its cause through the protection and provision of humanitarian aid in the area. Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, contributes her quota to restoring peace and stability in the region.
By Chidimma NWAFOR
