The Defence Headquarters on Tuesday announced that the withdrawal of some Nigerian troops from the Peace Support Operations in Mali will commence on Wednesday.
A statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Chris Olukolade said, “The troops are mainly those not accommodated in the structures of the newly formed United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali, (MINUSMA). They are to join the ongoing internal security operations in the country. This followed the rehatting and takeover of the mission from African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) by the UN. Some of the soldiers will be redeployed immediately.”
He further said, “Nigeria’s commitment and contribution to the Mali operations will be sustained in other forms. This will involve input of sizable men and materials to continue in the UN Mission.
“Accordingly, Nigeria will be providing a full-fledged Level 2 Military Hospital with full staff compliment; a Signal Squadron as well as Staff Officers in the Force Headquarters. A troop of the Mobile Police Force is also remaining in the mission.”
