By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the legacy and sacrifices of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), particularly Nigerian troops who lost their lives during peacekeeping operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
According to an official statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christophe Musa (Rtd.) gave the assurance when he received a delegation of ECOMOG veterans led by Major General Ohifeme Ejimai (Rtd.) at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation paid a courtesy visit to brief the minister on the group’s activities and ongoing initiatives.
Musa acknowledged the significant human and financial resources Nigeria committed to ECOMOG operations, stressing that the sacrifices of personnel who paid the supreme price during the peacekeeping missions would never be forgotten.
He assured the veterans that ongoing efforts to document outstanding records, casualties and historical assets would be completed to ensure proper preservation for posterity.
Earlier, Ejimai briefed the minister on the status of surviving Nigerian ECOMOG veterans, noting their readiness to continue contributing to national development and security.
He urged the Ministry of Defence to address existing documentation gaps and consider establishing a dedicated remembrance day to honour the hundreds of Nigerian troops who lost their lives in efforts to secure peace and stability in West Africa.
Established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1990, ECOMOG served as a regional peacekeeping and peace enforcement force during complex crises in West Africa.
Driven significantly by Nigerian leadership and military personnel, the force played a key role in efforts to restore constitutional order, protect civilian populations and stabilise conflict-affected countries, particularly Liberia and Sierra Leone.
