Nigerian Army peacekeepers in Liberia, others for honour

The Nigerian Army is to honour some retired peacekeepers who served in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and other missions by giving them a chance to revisit countries they helped restore peace to.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this when he spoke with newsmen in Abuja on Friday.

The interaction formed part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.

Shaibu said the initiative was introduced as part of this year’s celebration to appreciate the sacrifices of personnel who contributed to restoring peace in conflict-ridden African countries in the early 1990s.

According to him, many of the officers and soldiers have not had the opportunity to return to those countries since their peacekeeping missions.

He said: “For this year’s celebration, we have introduced something special.

“Some of our officers and men who served in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and other countries during the peacekeeping missions of the early 1990s have been selected to return to those countries to see what their efforts have achieved.

“Many of these men and women may not have had the opportunity to visit those countries since then and witness for themselves how peace has returned.

“We are sending some of them back as a way of appreciating them and showing that the nation still honours and values the sacrifices they made.”

The COAS said the gesture was also intended to inspire serving personnel by assuring them that their sacrifices in the defence of the nation would always be remembered and appreciated.

“They should know that they will be honoured for life, and as long as the nation endures, those coming behind them will appreciate the sacrifices they are making,” he said.

Shaibu noted that the NADCEL remained an annual event commemorating the founding of the Nigerian Army while celebrating the achievements of serving personnel.

He said the week-long programme began with a press briefing and would feature Juma’at prayers, church services, and other activities to honour fallen heroes, wounded personnel, and serving troops.

According to him, the celebration also promotes national unity while recognising the gallantry and professionalism of officers and soldiers serving in different theatres of operation across the country.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by troops on the frontlines but assured them that Nigerians appreciated their dedication to protecting the country’s peace and security.