Nigerian Army To Send Retired Peacekeepers Back To Liberia, Sierra Leone

The Nigerian Army has unveiled plans to send some retired officers and soldiers who served on peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and other African countries back to the nations where they helped restore peace, in recognition of their sacrifices and service.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, announced the initiative on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on activities lined up for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026.

Shaibu described the programme as one of the major highlights of this year’s celebration, saying it was designed to honour veterans who participated in peacekeeping operations in conflict-ridden African countries during the early 1990s but have not had the opportunity to return and witness the lasting impact of their efforts.

“For this year’s celebration, we have introduced something special,” the Army Chief said.

“Some of our officers and men who served in Liberia, Sierra Leone and other countries during the peacekeeping missions of the early 1990s have been selected to return to those countries to see what their efforts have achieved.

“Many of these men and women may not have had the opportunity to visit those countries since then and witness for themselves how peace has returned.

“We are sending some of them back as a way of appreciating them and showing that the nation still honours and values the sacrifices they made.”

According to Shaibu, the initiative is also intended to boost the morale of serving personnel by assuring them that the nation recognises and values the sacrifices made in the defence of Nigeria and in international peace support operations.

“They should know that they will be honoured for life, and as long as the nation endures, those coming behind them will appreciate the sacrifices they are making,” he said.

The Army Chief explained that the Nigerian Army Day Celebration remains an annual event to commemorate the establishment of the Nigerian Army while celebrating the achievements, professionalism and gallantry of its personnel.

He said the week-long programme commenced with a press briefing and would include Juma’at prayers, church services and other activities dedicated to honouring fallen heroes, wounded personnel, veterans and serving troops.

Shaibu added that the celebration also seeks to promote national unity while recognising officers and soldiers serving in various theatres of operation across the country.

He acknowledged the enormous challenges confronting troops on the frontlines but assured them that Nigerians appreciate their commitment and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation’s peace, unity and security.