Nigeria’s dedication to international peace efforts took center stage during the 2025 International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers, as global and national leaders commended the country’s historic and ongoing contributions to global peace operations.
The event, held on Wednesday in Abuja, marked the 77th anniversary of UN peacekeeping missions and also coincided with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations’ founding. It served both as a tribute to peacekeepers and a forum to reflect on the shifting landscape of global peace and security.
In his remarks, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, highlighted Nigeria’s influential role in peacekeeping over the decades.
He noted that more than 200,000 Nigerians, including troops, police officers, and civilian personnel, have served in 41 missions under the banners of the UN, African Union, and ECOWAS, spanning both African and global territories.
“Since its independence in 1960, Nigeria has stood as a pillar of peacekeeping. Its personnel have served with distinction in missions across Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Darfur, among others,” Fall stated.
“This legacy of service comes at a cost, 124 Nigerian peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice between 1948 and 2015.”
He lauded Nigeria’s leadership and commitment, describing it as a cornerstone in the UN’s ongoing peace operations and acknowledged the lifesaving impact of such missions.
Currently, Fall said, over 87,000 uniformed peacekeepers are deployed across 12 global missions. However, he warned that peacekeeping is facing growing threats, from terrorism and violent extremism to cyber conflict and climate-driven instability.
“Peacekeeping must evolve. Today’s missions confront sophisticated threats in environments where armed groups and criminal networks pose direct risks,” he explained.
He called for a renewed global commitment to multilateralism, stressing the importance of adapting peace operations to modern challenges. His recommendations included enhancing civilian protection, embracing new technologies, increasing deployment readiness, and reinforcing partnerships across regions.
“Despite rising geopolitical tensions and logistical constraints, peacekeeping remains a powerful instrument for fostering global stability,” he said.
“It is a living example of multilateral cooperation, powered by contributions from over 120 nations, both in manpower and funding.”
Representing Nigeria’s military, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, reaffirmed the country’s enduring pledge to international peace and collective security. He underscored the necessity of global solidarity in the face of modern threats.
“No nation can confront today’s security challenges alone. Multilateralism is not optional, it is vital,” Musa declared. “Nigeria’s Armed Forces remain firmly aligned with the UN Charter and its vision for a safer, united world.”
He reflected on the deployment of Nigerian forces in conflict zones such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, and Darfur, praising their courage and resilience. Musa also emphasized the need for the military to continuously adapt by embracing integrated strategies and community-focused solutions.
“In line with our leadership vision, we are committed to strengthening ties with the UN, not only in security matters but also in humanitarian response, civil-military cooperation, and sustainable development,” he noted.
General Musa thanked President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support to the Armed Forces, which he said has significantly boosted the military’s effectiveness in both national and international engagements.
The ceremony concluded with heartfelt tributes to Nigerian peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, along with a collective call to uphold the core principles of peace, justice, and human dignity.
