Nigeria has sent 65 soldiers from its Medical Contingent 9, Level II Hospital, to Mali as part of its National Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission.
NewsXtra gathered that they had spent three weeks of intensive training before leaving for Mali. They were taught how to use firearms to defend civilians and identify and respond to sexual violence in a conflict. The Nigerian Army also lectured the troops on how to protect children from sexual abuse; identify and report instances of sexual exploitation and abuse.
Speaking at the graduation of the operatives held at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), Jaji Kaduna, Chief of Operations, Army, Major-General Akinjobi Olufemi, emphasised the importance of protecting Africa as an integral part of the Army and the focal point of the country’s defence policy.
The Chief of Operations was represented by the Director of Peace Support Operations at Army Headquarters, Brigadier-General Adetoro Bayode. He said the Nigerian Army’s contributions to international peace and security and the maintenance of domestic security, particularly in the west African sub-region, are central to the goals of Nigeria’s national defence strategy.