ECOMOG veterans have called on the Federal Government to establish a dedicated remembrance day in honour of Nigerian troops who lost their lives during peacekeeping operations in West Africa.
The veterans made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
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Leading the delegation, retired Major General Ohifeme Ejimai, urged the Ministry to address existing gaps in the documentation of the activities and sacrifices of Nigerian personnel who served under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group, ECOMOG.
Retired Major General Ejimai also briefed the Minister on the condition of surviving Nigerian veterans, noting their readiness to continue contributing to national development and security.
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He stressed the need for proper recognition of the troops who paid the supreme price during peacekeeping missions, particularly in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Responding, the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, assured the veterans that the Federal Government was committed to preserving the history and legacy of ECOMOG.
General Musa in a statement by his Special Assistant Media Leah Katung-Babatunde explains that efforts were ongoing to document outstanding records, casualties and historical assets associated with the operations to ensure that the sacrifices of the personnel were not forgotten.
ECOMOG was established by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, in nineteen ninety, as a regional peacekeeping and peace enforcement force.
The force, with significant Nigerian involvement, played a major role in efforts to restore peace, protect civilians and stabilise conflict-affected countries in West Africa.