The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has said the Nigerian troops participate in peacekeeping missions because of the several requests for their deployment in troubled countries.

He added that the recognition of the capability and dedication of his personnel have led to the high requests.

The PUNCH in 2022 reported that over 640 troops were deployed for peacekeeping missions across the globe.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday while briefing journalists on the activities lined up for the forthcoming 2024 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Lagbaja stated that the heroic exploits of Nigerian troops in peacekeeping missions have been globally acknowledged despite the security challenges in the country.

The COAS was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim.

Lagbaja said, “Its heroic exploits in peacekeeping especially in the last two decades are well acknowledged globally and particularly by the United Nations.

“The effectiveness of the Nigerian Army in peacekeeping has resulted in several requests for its deployment in various troubled countries, and despite our security challenges, Nigeria submits to calls for increased participation of her troops in international peace efforts.”

Lagbaja stated that despite challenges, the Nigerian army has made significant contributions to national development and progress over its 161-year history.

He said the Army had over the years, made progress in the areas such as security, education, engineering, health, science, sports, and many other spheres.

Lagbaja said, “The Nigerian Army has also made significant contributions to national development and progress in several areas such as security, education, engineering, health, science, sports and many other spheres. It is due to these accomplishments we always seize the opportunity presented by the period culminating into July 6 to celebrate and give glory to Almighty God.”

The COAS said the 2024 NADCEL was a celebration of one of the greatest armies in the world whose eventful history had spanned 161 years dating back to 1863 when Lt. Glover of the Royal Navy organised 18 indigenes of Northern Nigeria into a local force known as the “Glover Hausas”.