Nigeria’s peacekeepers in Abyei used the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to underline a deeper message, sacrifice is not only remembered, it is translated into discipline, professionalism and mission success on the ground.
Zig Diaries | Peacekeeping
Date: Saturday , 17 January 2026
Time: 22:55 WAT
Location: 📍 Abyei, UNISFA Mission Area
The Nigerian Contingent 3 of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) marked the national remembrance day alongside a United Nations Medal Parade, reinforcing Nigeria’s reputation as a dependable force in global peacekeeping operations.
According to remarks delivered at the ceremony, the event was designed not only to honour fallen heroes of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, but to recognise the sustained operational performance of Nigerian officers and soldiers executing the UNISFA mandate under demanding conditions.
Earlier commemorative activities, including a Juma’at prayer on 9 January and an interdenominational church service on 11 January, framed remembrance as both a spiritual obligation and a morale anchor for personnel deployed far from home.
Speaking during the event, the Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mukaila Zakari Dikko, described the day as a moment to renew commitment to duty, loyalty and selfless service, stressing that Nigerian Contingent 3 carries the critical responsibility of Base Defence Company for the UNISFA Force Headquarters.
“Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day reminds us that our professionalism today is built on sacrifices made by others before us. This responsibility must be discharged with discipline and unwavering commitment,” he said.
The Officer in Charge Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, Brigadier General Umrani Ameer Muhammad, who served as Special Guest of Honour and reviewing officer, commended the Nigerian contingent for its operational effectiveness and strong civil military relations within the Abyei area.
“Nigerian Contingent 3 continues to demonstrate professionalism, reliability and respect for the ideals of the United Nations. These qualities are essential for sustaining peace in complex mission environments,” he noted.
A central moment of the ceremony was the wreath laying ritual, with wreaths laid by Brigadier General Umrani Ameer Muhammad, the Chief of Mission Support, Ms Chinyere Odenigbo, the Paramount Ruler of Abyei, Lieutenant Colonel Mukaila Zakari Dikko, and representatives of the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force.
The event also featured the United Nations Medal Parade, where officers and soldiers of Nigerian Contingent 3, staff officers and military observers were decorated in recognition of their meritorious service and contribution to UNISFA’s mandate.
By combining national remembrance with international recognition, the ceremony reinforced Nigeria’s enduring commitment to peacekeeping, while demonstrating that the values of sacrifice, honour and service remain active principles guiding its troops in global theatres.
🏷️ Tags: Nigerian Army, UNISFA, Peacekeeping, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Nigerian Contingent 3, Abyei
#Nigeria #UNISFA #Peacekeeping #ArmedForcesRemembrance #NigerianArmy #GlobalSecurity
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