The first batch of 80 Nigerian military contingent to the African led international peace support mission in Mali have departed for that country but not before thet were addressed by the Chief of Army Staff,Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika.The army chief said the contribution of Nigeria in the restoration of peace in Mali will complement the Federal Government’s efforts in the fight against Boko Haram insurgence in the country.
His words: “Our effort in Mali is to complement our effort at home, to bring peace. We have evidence that some of the terrorists operating in Nigeria today are trained in Mali.
“As at yesterday (Wednesday), we are aware of the influx of some terrorists into the country trained in Mali. So, Nigeria will not only be supporting the resolution of the international community, but also enhancing its own internal security and that of its immediate neighbours.”
Continuing, Lt-Gen. Ihejirika said: “Once an apparent pillar of democracy in West Africa, Mali has drastically deteriorated in 2012, with a coup which brought the elected government in March 2012 by a combination of armed groups to take over the vast areas of the desert north soon after. This, to say the least, is a threat to peace in the region and the world at large.”
The combatant ready troops departed the country by a Nigerian Air Force cargo plane to Mali through the Kaduna international airport at exactly 6PM, Thursday evening.
May GOD protect dem oooo
I wish and pray that all the soldiers deployed will come back safe to their families without lossing any hair from their head amen.