The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, has praised Nigeria for its significant contributions to global peacekeeping, security, and stability.
Speaking in Abuja during the commemoration of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, marked annually on May 29, Fall said Nigeria remains a strong partner in promoting peace both at home and abroad. The event, themed “Invest in Peace,” was organised by UN Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Fall noted that the UN honoured over 4,500 peacekeepers who have died in service, including 59 in 2025 alone.
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“The UN commends the Government of Nigeria for its continued efforts to strengthen peace, security, and stability across the country.
“Peacekeeping abroad and peacekeeping at home are part of the same journey. The UN remains committed to partnering with you in that journey.
“Together with the Government, civil society, traditional leaders, women, youth, and development actors, we support dialogue, social cooperation, human rights, humanitarian action, and sustainable development.”
He highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing contribution to UN peace operations, stating that more than 200,000 Nigerian troops and personnel have participated in peacekeeping missions since 1966. According to him, Nigeria currently has 335 uniformed personnel serving in UN missions, including 138 police officers.
“Nigeria stands proudly in this history. Nigerian peacekeepers have served with distinction across Africa and beyond, with more than 200,000 troops and personnel deployed to peace operations globally since 1966.
“Today, Nigeria deploys 335 uniformed peacekeepers in UN missions, including 138 officers from the NPF. To those officers here and those serving under the UN flag globally, this gathering is a tribute to you.”
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, paid tribute to fallen peacekeepers, saying:
“Today we remember peacekeepers with gratitude and deep respect. We honour their memory and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals and values of the UN.”
Also speaking, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to international peacekeeping.
“We as an Army will therefore continue to strive to develop our capacity and capabilities in discharging our mandate wherever we are deployed.
“This calls for decisive action to ensure that civilian and military peacekeepers have the resources to carry out their mandates,” Shaibu said.
The event was attended by defence officials, diplomats, and UN partners, and featured remarks from ACP Janet Salami, a female commander who previously served in a UN peacekeeping mission.
