The Federal Government has pledged to preserve the legacy of Nigerian soldiers who paid the supreme price during peacekeeping operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, assuring veterans that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), gave the assurance in Abuja while receiving a delegation of ECOMOG veterans led by retired Major General Ohifeme Ejimai.
Musa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to documenting the history, casualties and historical assets of the regional peacekeeping force, recognising the enormous human and financial costs Nigeria bore during the missions.
The pledge comes amid renewed calls to honour hundreds of Nigerian troops who died during ECOMOG operations and preserve their contributions to peace and stability in West Africa.
The minister’s position was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde.
During the meeting, the veterans raised concerns over gaps in the documentation of ECOMOG’s history and called for the establishment of an annual remembrance day for fallen personnel.
Leading the delegation, Ejimai also briefed the minister on the veterans’ welfare, the condition of surviving personnel and their ongoing initiatives.
He stressed that retirement from active service had not diminished their commitment to Nigeria’s development and national security, expressing their readiness to continue contributing their experience.
The veterans’ appeal places renewed focus on the sacrifices of Nigerian troops who served in some of West Africa’s bloodiest conflicts, often operating in dangerous conditions to help restore order and protect civilian populations.
Established by the Economic Community of West African States in 1990, ECOMOG played a major role in peacekeeping and peace enforcement during the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Nigeria was a leading contributor to the force, providing troops and substantial resources in efforts to restore constitutional order and stabilise the conflict-ravaged countries.
For the veterans, the latest pledge represents a renewed push to ensure that the lives lost, the sacrifices made and the history of ECOMOG are preserved for future generations.
