The Nigerian Army on Tuesday inaugurated the 242 Battalion pre-deployment in Kaduna State with a charge to the soldiers to make the most of the learning opportunity.
According to Commandant, Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre (NAPKC), Jaji, Maj. Gen. Salihu Uba who claimed that the Army has trained and injected 52,000 soldiers into the peacekeeping mission, the four-week training would prepare about 700 soldiers for deployment on peacekeeping mission to Liberia.
Uba explained that during the four weeks, the soldiers will be exposed to mission specific trainings on advanced rifle marksmanship, area security, field duties, convoy, VIP protection, quick response force, crowd dispersal and base camp security.
“I therefore want to advise you to take the training seriously, your conduct would be monitored and assessed, and we would not induct any soldier committing any unacceptable act,” Uba said, urging the soldiers to exhibit an aggressive posture with which they will deal with real-life emergency situations.
“You are to fight back when you come under any form of threat or attack,” he said. “The pre-deployment training affords you the opportunity to attain the high level of competence required for duty in Liberia. Make optimum benefit of this unique opportunity because you will have no other opportunity to correct your mistake after this place.”
Also speaking, General Officer Commanding, (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos, Maj.-Gen. Obi Umahi implored them to be careful in relating with natives of host countries.
“You should ensure total compliance with the mission’s rules of engagement, force protection measures and also stay away from anything that can ridicule the image of the country,” Brig.-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, who represented him, said.
“Nigerian Army will not accept any situation where its troops are found wanting; hence the need for effective leadership at all levels. It is also vital to draw your attention to the United Nations’ zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse.”
