🇳🇬 Nigerian Defence Chief Honoured with Sierra Leone’s Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel for Regional Peace Contributions

 

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has been decorated with the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel by Sierra Leone’s President, His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to peace and stability in Sierra Leone.

Desk: Defence & Diplomacy
Date: 18 February 2026
Time: 20:00 WAT
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone

 The award ceremony coincided with the 17th Armed Forces Day celebrations of the Republic of Sierra Leone reflecting Geneneral Oluyede’s operational leadership while serving under ECOMOG as well as the collective sacrifices of Nigerian officers and soldiers who contributed to regional stability during Sierra Leone’s civil conflict.

In a statement confirming the honour, Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, outlined Gen Oluyede’s distinguished service to include deployment as a Platoon Commander at the residence of Sierra Leone’s Head of State between 1992 and 1994, where he demonstrated leadership, commitment, and operational acumen critical to the maintenance of government stability. His tenure under ECOMOG operations is cited as exemplary in both combat effectiveness and protection of civilians.

The award ceremony also recognised other prominent military leaders from Nigeria, Guinea, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Kenya, including retired Nigerian CDS Gen Martin Luther Agwai, Lt Gen Daniel Opande of Kenya, Lt Gen Ibrahima Sory Bangoura of Guinea, Maj Gen Paul Rogers of the United States, and Brig Gen Edward Butler of the United Kingdom.

Officials at the event commended the Nigerian Armed Forces’ resilience, bravery, and strategic impact in regional peace enforcement, highlighting the nation’s critical role under ECOMOG operations. Observers noted that Nigeria’s commitment to peacekeeping set standards for operational professionalism and civilian protection in West African regional security architecture.

Strategically, the recognition reinforces Nigeria’s influence in regional defence diplomacy, showcasing the operational excellence of its leadership cadre and underscoring the enduring impact of Nigerian military engagement in multilateral peace operations.

🏷️Tags: Defence Diplomacy, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Chief of Defence Staff, ECOMOG, Peacekeeping, Regional Security

#Nigeria #SierraLeone #CDS #ECOMOG #Peacekeeping #DefenceDiplomacy #RegionalSecurity