The Nigerian police have deployed 140 personnel to Guinea Bissau for peacekeeping operations, the deputy Police Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba said.
Mba said in a statement on Sunday in Abuja that the personnel were from the Formed Police Unit (FPU) who were being supported by modern crime fighting and peacekeeping equipment, including five Amoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 12 patrol vehicles, arms and ammunition and crowd control equipment.
"The Nigeria police officers are expected to assist the government and people of Guinea Bissau in restoring peace and stability in the country.
"The deployment is in fulfillment of Nigeria’s pledge and commitment to assist ECOWAS in restoring rule of law and general orderliness in Guinea Bissau and ECOWAS sub region,” the statement said.
The statement also said that the contingent was equipped to be self sustaining in terms of food rations and medical equipment.
The contingent was accompanied by a team of medical personnel, comprising two doctors and six nurses.
The statement said that unlike what obtained in the past, all the deployed officers had been paid three months allowances in advance on the orders of the Inspector- General of Police (IG).
"This gesture is to boost the morale and allow the Formed Police Unit (FPU) personnel to take care of the welfare of their dependents before departure,’’ the statement said.
The statement said that the contingent had since arrived in Guinea Bissau and were received by that country’s Minister of Internal Security and the police chief.
The deployment to Guinea Bissau brings to nine the number of countries where Nigerian police officers are currently serving in international peacekeeping operations.
The other countries are Liberia, Haiti, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, East Timor, Cote D’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Source African Press Agency
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