Mobolaji Michael
THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reacted to some video clips on social media video clips arising from the presence of some United Nations Peacekeeping fighting vehicles and equipment sighted recently in Benin, Edo State.
The viral video has resulted in insinuations in some quarters that DHQ now believes are inimical to public peace and may even cause panic.
The DHQ however insists there is no cause for alarm. A statement signed by Brigadier General
Tukur Gusau, Acting Director Defence Information says the vehicles and equipment were in transit to some other African countries.
The statement reads: “The Defence Headquarters hereby state that presently, Nigeria is contributing troops to various United Nations Peacekeeping operations, the most recent is United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Southern Sudan.
“The Mission is commanded by a Nigerian, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr. It should be noted that the UN doesn’t have its own troops, rather it enters into agreements with troops contributing countries to provide their personnel and equipment for operations in its various missions.
“Therefore, it is imperative to state, emphatically, that the military fighting vehicles and equipment painted in UN colour as sighted are being moved through the Warri Port for movement to the mission area in Southern Sudan to marry up with our troops who were inducted into UNISFA mission last month.
“The Defence Headquarters under the leadership of General Lucky Irabor CFR wish to assure Nigerians that our nation is not under any threat that will warrant the deployment of United Nations troops on our soil”,
Eighteen-Eleven Media
Editor’s Note: Picture used for illustrative purposes only