Since 1960, more than 200,000 Nigerian military personnel, police officers, and civilians have served in 41 peacekeeping missions under the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This figure was revealed by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed M. Malick Fall, during a ceremony in Abuja.
The event, held at the UN House, marked 77 years of international peace operations and celebrated 65 years of Nigeria’s active contribution to global peacekeeping. Under the theme “Fit for the Future, Building Better Together,” the commemoration also reflected on the UN’s 80th anniversary, emphasizing the evolving demands of peace missions worldwide.
Mr. Fall highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding leadership and consistency in peacekeeping efforts. He praised the country’s critical role in stabilizing conflict-affected regions such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, and Mali. “Nigeria has been at the forefront of peacekeeping, offering stability and support in areas facing prolonged crises,” he said.
He also acknowledged the high cost of Nigeria’s commitment, noting that 124 peacekeepers from the country lost their lives between 1948 and 2015. Their sacrifices, he said, underscore the deep personal and national investment Nigeria has made in the pursuit of global peace.
Addressing current global security dynamics, Mr. Fall stressed that the nature of conflict is rapidly changing. Modern peacekeeping faces challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, cyber threats, and conflicts intensified by climate change. These developments, he argued, require more flexible and innovative responses. “Peace operations must adapt to today’s threats through smarter strategies, regional cooperation, and the use of advanced technologies,” he said.
He also expressed admiration for Nigerian peacekeepers who have served across multiple continents. “Nigerian personnel have stood out for their courage and dedication in missions throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Today, we honor their service and sacrifice,” he said.
Currently, more than 87,000 uniformed personnel from various countries are deployed across 12 UN peacekeeping missions around the world. These missions often operate in hostile environments where troops face significant risks from armed groups and extremist elements.
Several dignitaries attending the Abuja event reaffirmed Nigeria’s vital role in global peacekeeping and urged a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation. As international skepticism toward collective security frameworks grows, speakers emphasized the need to strengthen unity among nations.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, commended the professionalism and discipline of Nigerian troops serving in international operations. “Nigeria remains one of Africa’s leading contributors to UN peacekeeping and plays an influential role in shaping peacekeeping policy,” he said.
He added that Nigeria’s contributions reflect both its operational capabilities and its conviction that peace is a global responsibility. “Our involvement in these missions shows our belief that maintaining peace is not the duty of a few nations—it is a shared obligation,” General Musa said.
The event concluded with a ceremonial parade honoring the service of Nigerian peacekeepers, past and present. The tribute served as a reminder of the nation’s enduring legacy in international peacekeeping and its continued commitment to global stability.