The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the history and legacy of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), with assurances that the sacrifices of Nigerian personnel who served in regional peacekeeping missions will not be forgotten.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), gave the assurance on Friday while receiving a delegation of ECOMOG veterans led by Major General Ohifeme Ejimai (Rtd) at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the minister, the government recognises the significant human and financial resources Nigeria committed to ECOMOG operations, particularly in Liberia and Sierra Leone, where many troops lost their lives in peacekeeping missions.
Musa said efforts were ongoing to document outstanding records, casualty lists and other historical materials related to ECOMOG to ensure their preservation for future generations.
He stressed that personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in the course of restoring peace and stability in the West African sub-region would continue to be honoured.
Earlier, Ejimai briefed the minister on the activities of ECOMOG veterans and the status of surviving members, noting their readiness to continue contributing to national development and security.
The retired general called on the Ministry of Defence to address existing documentation gaps and consider establishing a dedicated remembrance day for Nigerian troops who died during ECOMOG operations.
ECOMOG, established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1990, served as a regional peacekeeping and peace enforcement force.
Nigeria played a leading role in the missions, contributing troops and resources to efforts aimed at restoring constitutional order, protecting civilians and stabilising conflict-affected countries in West Africa.
