On Monday, February 26, 2024, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), presided over the presentation of the United Nations Peace Medal Award to the Commanding Officer and personnel of the Nigerian Base Defence Company (NBDC 1) deployed within the mission.
This ceremony, attended by distinguished guests including Traditional Leaders of the Ngok Dinka Chiefdoms of the Abyei Box, the OiC Deputy Force Commander, Chief Joint Border Verification Monitoring Mechanism, Members of the Mission Leadership Team, Force Chief of Staff, Principal Staff Officers of the Force Headquarters, Contingent Commanders, Department Heads, Military Observers, and Civilian Staff of the Mission, marked a significant moment in recognizing the dedication and service of the Nigerian troops.
General Sawyerr expressed profound satisfaction and a sense of national pride in honoring the first Nigerian Contingent to serve within UNISFA, acknowledging their exemplary performance throughout their tour of duty. The NBDC-1, initially comprising 160 personnel of all ranks, including a commendable 32 female peacekeepers—surpassing the UN’s 10 percent requirement—was further reinforced to 171 personnel, incorporating a Close Protection Team for the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander.
He lauded the NBDC for their outstanding representation of Nigeria in UN Peacekeeping endeavors, highlighting their professionalism, ingenuity, and leadership under Contingent Commander Lt Col Esidiong James Nkereuwem. General Sawyerr emphasized their pivotal role in safeguarding the Force and Mission Headquarters camp and effectively engaging in Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities to foster positive relations within the Abyei community, thereby enhancing UNISFA’s operational effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate.
Additionally, he commended the Commanding Officer for maintaining exemplary discipline within the unit, ensuring a commendable absence of disciplinary issues since their deployment. General Sawyerr underscored the NBDC-1’s significant contributions to advancing UNISFA’s objectives, setting a high standard for future Nigerian contingents.
He reiterated his pride in the accomplishments of the NBDC-1, affirming their status as a beacon of excellence within UNISFA and setting a precedent for subsequent deployments from Nigeria.
