Nigerian Army says it plans to recognise and appreciate officers and soldiers who served in peacekeeping operations in Liberia, Sierra Leone and other conflict-affected countries by sponsoring some of the veterans to revisit the nations where they helped restore peace more than 30 years ago.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nam, disclosed this in a chat with journalists after the Juma’at prayers in Friday in Abuja, held as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Lieutenant General Shaibu Nam pointed out that the initiative was designed to honour the commitment and sacrifices of personnel who participated in peace support operations across West Africa and to enable them witness first-hand, the lasting impact of their service.
Nam informed that some officers and soldiers who took part in peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and other countries during the early 1990s have already been selected for the visits.
Chief of Army Staff noted, “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”.
He further observed that many of the veterans had never returned to those countries since completing their assignments, stressing that the gesture was a fitting way to appreciate their contributions to regional peace.
“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,” he added.
Nam said the programme would also inspire troops currently engaged in various military operations by assuring them that their dedication and sacrifices would continue to be recognised even after retirement.
“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 stated.
Acknowledging the difficult conditions under which military personnel operate, the COAS commended troops for their resilience and reassured them that Nigerians value their efforts in protecting lives and preserving national security.
He explained that the annual Nigerian Army Day Celebration commemorates the establishment of the Army while paying tribute to serving personnel, veterans and those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Chief of Army Staff explained the special Juma’at prayers provided opportunity to remember fallen heroes, pray for wounded personnel and those still serving, as well as celebrate acts of bravery that have strengthened national unity.
He also announced that the grand finale of this year’s NADCEL, themed “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” will take place in Port Harcourt.
Earlier, at the opening press briefing for the week-long celebration, the COAS, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, called on Nigerians to remain patriotic and continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies in their efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
