The Defence Headquarters has addressed concerns raised by social media video clips showing United Nations Peacekeeping fighting vehicles and equipment sighted in Benin, Edo state. There have been insinuations that this may cause public panic, however, the Defence Headquarters has clarified that there is no cause for alarm.
Nigeria is currently contributing troops to various United Nations Peacekeeping operations, including the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in Southern Sudan. The Mission is being commanded by a Nigerian, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr. It should be noted that the UN does not have its own troops and instead enters into agreements with troops contributing countries to provide personnel and equipment for operations in its various missions.
The military fighting vehicles and equipment painted in UN colour were sighted being moved through the Warri port for movement to the mission area in Southern Sudan, where they will be used by Nigerian troops in the UNISFA mission. The Defence Headquarters emphasizes that there is no deployment of United Nations troops on Nigerian soil, and the presence of these vehicles is solely for peacekeeping purposes.
Under the leadership of General Lucky Irabor CFR, the Defence Headquarters assures Nigerians that there is no threat to the nation that will warrant the deployment of United Nations troops in Nigeria. The military is committed to fulfilling its mandate of maintaining peace and security within and outside the country.
The public is urged to disregard any insinuations that may cause panic or unrest and to trust in the military’s capability to secure the nation. This information has been disseminated to address concerns and allay fears