In a bid to strengthen regional peace and security, the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) on Friday graduated 197 military personnel after completing a rigorous five-week pre-deployment training for the ECOWAS peacekeeping mission in The Gambia.
By Chimezie Godfrey
In a bid to strengthen regional peace and security, the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) on Friday graduated 197 military personnel after completing a rigorous five-week pre-deployment training for the ECOWAS peacekeeping mission in The Gambia.
The freshly trained troops—who will constitute the Nigerian Contingent 10—are expected to bolster the ECOWAS mission aimed at sustaining political and social stability in the West African nation.
Addressing the personnel during the graduation ceremony at the MLAILPKC Parade Ground in Jaji Military Cantonment, the Chief of Operations (Army), Major General Uwem Bassey, represented by Major General Ishaya Maina, charged them to uphold professionalism and discipline while serving as ambassadors of peace.
“This ceremony is not just a celebration, but a solemn moment to reflect on the critical responsibility ahead. You are not only representing Nigeria, but you are symbols of peace for the entire continent,” Bassey declared.
He warned the troops sternly against any form of misconduct, emphasizing that the Nigerian Army would not tolerate acts that undermine the integrity of the mission.
“I must stress the importance of maintaining the highest standards of conduct and discipline. One area that requires serious attention is Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. The Nigerian Army will not condone any act that brings dishonour to the mission or our dear country,” he warned.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Major General Ademola Adedoja, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the training, which commenced on 17 and 18 May 2025. He stated that the programme followed the United Nations Core Pre-deployment Training Manuals (CPTM), being tailored specifically to the Gambian mission.
“Our troops underwent thorough medical evaluations and were drilled in mission-critical areas such as Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices, use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Base Camp Occupation, Convoy Drills, VIP Protection, GPS navigation, and Medical Evacuation,” Adedoja explained.
He expressed confidence in the troops’ readiness, noting, “We are optimistic that Nigerian Contingent 10 will not only fulfill their mandate but also make Nigeria proud as their predecessors have done.”
The Commandant also commended the troops for their discipline throughout the training and appreciated the efforts of the Centre’s facilitators and training staff. He extended special gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for ensuring the availability of resources required for the training.
The well-attended event drew dignitaries from Defence and Army Headquarters, military training institutions, and security agencies across Kaduna State, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s peacekeeping contributions within the ECOWAS sub-region.