The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and honouring Nigerian troops who lost their lives during peacekeeping missions in West Africa.
Musa gave the assurance when he received a delegation of ECOMOG veterans, led by retired Major General Ohifeme Ejimai, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister Leah Katung-Babatunde, the Defence minister acknowledged the human and financial resources Nigeria committed to ECOMOG operations, particularly in Liberia and Sierra Leone, assuring the veterans that the sacrifices of personnel who paid the supreme price would not be forgotten.
He said efforts to document outstanding historical records, casualties and related assets would be completed to ensure that ECOMOG’s contributions to regional peace and security are preserved for future generations.
In his remarks , the delegation leader, retired Major General Ejimai, briefed the minister on the activities of the veterans’ group and the status of surviving Nigerian personnel who served under the regional peacekeeping force.
Ejimai called on the Ministry of Defence to address gaps in historical documentation and consider establishing a dedicated remembrance day to honour the hundreds of Nigerian troops who died while helping to restore peace and stability in West Africa.
Established in 1990 by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), ECOMOG played a significant role in peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations across the region, with Nigerian troops providing substantial personnel and leadership during conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The proposed preservation efforts are expected to safeguard the history of the regional force and recognise the contributions of Nigerian personnel to peace and security in West Africa.