AFRICA

After Deploying Over 200,000 Troops in 41 Peacekeeping Missions, Nigeria Seeks UN Security Council Permanent Seat

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru has addressed the 79th United Nations General Assembly, emphasising Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to international peace and security.
Speaking in New York, the United States at the Summit of the Future interactive dialogue on: “Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security”, the Minister said “Since our first deployment in the Congo in 1960, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping missions globally,” While also highlighting the deployment of over 200,000 Nigerian troops in UN operations.

He canvassed for reform of the UN Security Council to ensure Africa is represented with permanent seats, arguing that this would enhance global stability.
His words: “Nigeria has remained unequivocal in its commitment to international peace building and security, since the first engagement of its troops in the Congo in 1960. To date, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping operations worldwide, with over two hundred thousand Nigerian troops serving in UN peacekeeping missions.

“Under the regional and sub-regional cooperation, Nigeria has been involved in peacekeeping operations in field missions in Cote dIvoire, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Sudan and Sierra Leone, among others, and has contributed a lot in terms of finance, logistics, troops and civilian experts, making her one of the most significant African troops and police contributors to the United Nations missions.

“It is on this basis that Nigeria continues to call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to give just representation to Africa on a permanent basis for inclusivity and deepening of global peace and security.
Badaru emphasised the importance of building professional African armies to combat terrorism and urged for operationalising the African Standby Force.

He also highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle transnational crime and illegal arms trafficking, particularly in the Sahel region.
According to him: “We recognize the need for Africa to build strong and professional armies, in order to, among other things, defeat terrorism.

“Nigeria, calls for the operationalization of the African Standby Force (ASF), and provision of requisite support and resources to ensure the upgrade, take off and effectiveness of a centre of excellence in Africa on issues of counter terrorism.

“We reiterate the call to strengthen regional and sub-regional cooperation, build capacities of Member States, promote cooperation and understanding, as well as defuse tensions, and seek peaceful settlement of disputes to resolve conflicts especially in the Middle-East and Ukraine”.
The Minister while reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to combating transnational organised crime emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that include prevention, early detection, protection, and law enforcement to address the rising alliances between bandits and terrorists.

“We must scale up our efforts,” he stated, highlighting the alarming trend of kidnappings for ransom and acts of piracy.
Badaru called on the international community to intensify efforts to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in conflict zones, particularly in the Sahel region. He warned that unrestricted access to illicit arms by non-state actors exacerbates insecurity and instability.

“The time for action is now,” he urged, as Nigeria grapples with the complexities of organized crime that threaten regional stability and safety.

He said: “We must scale up efforts in addressing transnational organized crime and related illegal financial flows through comprehensive strategies, including prevention, early detection, protection and law enforcement, especially in the wake of emerging alliance between bandits and terrorists, including kidnapping for ransom and acts of piracy.

“We seize this opportunity to urge the international community to renew efforts to stem the tide of small arms and light weapons in conflict, especially within the Sahel region where unfettered access by non-state actors to illicit arms and light weapons continues to foster insecurity and instability”, the Minister said.

Badaru concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to supporting UN efforts in combating terrorism and promoting global peace.

Deji Elumoye

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Matt Gaetz To Exit Congress Following Withdrawal As DOJ Nominee Amid Controversy

Matt Gaetz has said he will not return to Congress after withdrawing as Trump’s DOJ…

2 hours ago

Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval For Oluyede As Chief Of Army Staff

President Tinubu has sought Senate confirmation of Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff, citing…

2 hours ago

Netanyahu Risks Arrest in UK as ICC Issues Warrant Against Him For War Crimes

Israeli PM Netanyahu faces potential arrest in the UK as Downing Street pledges to fulfill…

5 hours ago

Second Australian Teen Dies from Suspected Methanol Poisoning in Laos

A second Australian teenager has died of suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, bringing to six…

5 hours ago

Simon Ekpa Arrested, Denies Being IPOB Leader + Atiku Says Tinubu’s Loans Are Bone-Crushing – Trending With Ojy Okpe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFlFl1mPGC8 The arrest of self-proclaimed Prime minister of the Biafra Republic, Simon Ekpa who was…

5 hours ago

Gatwick Airport South Terminal Evacuated, Bomb Disposal Team Deployed Suspicious Item Found In Luggage

Gatwick Airport's South Terminal was evacuated after a suspected prohibited item was found, prompting bomb…

6 hours ago