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More Nigerian Soldiers Leave for Liberia

Vanguard (Lagos)
NEWS
August 13, 2003
Posted to the web August 13, 2003

By Kingsley Omonobi
Abuja
THE second battalion of the Nigerian Army scheduled to carry out peace-keeping
and enforcement duties in Liberia is now expected to leave tomorrow just as the
Chief of Army staff, Lt. General Martins Agwai declared that the troops were
going into the war-torn enclave as an impartial and stabilizing force.
Addressing the troops of the 26-battalion in Sokoto when he visited them to
assess the preparations before their movement to Liberia, Gen. Agwai warned the
peace-keepers to be of good conduct as they were also going there to project
Nigeria's image.
Disclosing that Ghana, Mali, and Senegal will join the Nigerian troops in
Liberia by the end of the month, the Army chief announced the United Nations
would take over the operations from ECOWAS in November this year. Earlier, the
Army chief paid a courtesy call on the deputy governor of Sokoto State where he
explained that he was in the state to ascertain the needs of the troops. He
thanked the Sokoto State government for the support it has rendered to the Army
over the years saying that "in particular, we are grateful for the borehole and
road repairs in our barracks as well as the renovation of the command secondary
school"
Deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Aliyu Wammakko commended the Federal
Government for taking the initiative of sending Nigerian troops to Liberia to
stop the carnage there saying it has brought respect and honour to our country.
"It is our hope that the mission in Liberia would be accomplished within the
shortest possible time." Gen. Agwai also paid a courtesy call on the Sultan of
Sokoto, Dr. Mohammed Maccido.

   

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