The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos, Major General Abel Obi Umahi has declared that over 52,000 personnel have been trained and injected into peacekeeping mission abroad. This was disclosed at the ceremony marking the deployment of 700 soldiers to Liberia on peacekeeping mission.

The GOC, who was represented by Brigadier General Adeniyi Oyebade, while addressing the 242 Battalion officers and men at the graduation ceremony of the pre-deployment training at NAPKC yesterday, warned the troop to exercise utmost care with the locals in the host country.

He also urged them to be resolute in dealing with operational matters while ensuring compliance with the mission’s rules of engagement and force protection measures.

While noting that Nigeria was the largest troop contributing country to the United Nation’s Mission in Liberia, the GOC warned the troop to stay away from anything that could ridicule the good image of the country.

According to him, ‘’Nigerian Army will not accept any situation where its troops are found wanting; hence the need for effective leadership at all levels. Your success in the mission area will justify the enormous resources and time spent on your training. It is also vital to draw your attention to the United Nation’s zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse. As the mission draws down, many locals look for avenue to exploit unwary peacekeepers and by extension the United Nations,’’ he said.