Nigerian Contingent 3 UNISFA Conducts Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day With UN Medal Parade In Abyei

Nigerian Contingent 3 UNISFA Conducts Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day With UN Medal Parade In Abyei

The Nigerian Contingent 3 (NIGCON 3) United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) commemorated the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in the mission area, combined with the United Nations Medal Parade. The event was held at the Rubb Hall, Force Headquarters (FHQ) Base Camp, Abyei on 15 January 2026.

The ceremony was organised to celebrate the Armed Forces of Nigeria and honour the gallant servicemen and women who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, while also recognising the dedication, professionalism and outstanding performance of officers and soldiers of Nigerian Contingent 3 in the execution of their mandate in UNISFA.

Commemorative activities commenced earlier with a Juma’at Prayer at the UNISFA Mosque on 9 January 2026, followed by a combined Interdenominational Church Service on 11 January 2026 at the Nigerian Camp. These solemn activities were held to offer prayers to the fallen heroes and to offer prayers for continued peace and safety of personnel deployed in the various theatres of operations including peacekeeping missions.

The event was graced by the Officer-in-Charge Acting Head of Mission/Force Commander, Brigadier General Umrani Ameer Muhammad, who was the Special Guest of Honour and reviewing officer. Other dignitaries in attendance included the Chief of Mission Support, Ms Chinyere Odenigbo, the Representative of the Chief Administrator of Abyei, the Paramount Ruler of Abyei, Senior National Monitors of Sudan and South Sudan, contingent commanders, staff officers and military observers. Members of other contingents and Abyei community were also in attendance.

In his opening remarks, the Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mukaila Zakari Dikko, underscored the significance of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a solemn occasion to reflect on the sacrifices of fallen heroes and to renew commitment to the core values of duty, loyalty and selfless service. He further highlighted the critical role of Nigerian Contingent 3 as the Base Defence Company responsible for the security and protection of the UNISFA Force Headquarters, noting that this responsibility is being discharged with professionalism, discipline and dedication.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the wreath-laying ritual, symbolising honour and respect for departed heroes. Wreaths were laid by the Special Guest of Honour, the Chief of Mission Support, the Paramount Ruler of Abyei, the Contingent Commander, as well as representatives of the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force. Other activities included the inspection of guards, signing of the event register and presentation of souvenir to the Special Guest of Honour. The ceremony also featured the United Nations Medal Parade, during which officers and soldiers of Nigerian Contingent 3, staff officers and military observers were decorated with the UN Medal in recognition of their meritorious service, commitment and valuable contributions to the achievement of UNISFA mandate.

Brigadier General Umrani Ameer Muhammad, who delivered the key note address commended Nigerian Contingent 3 for their professionalism, operational effectiveness and strong civil-military relations, while urging all peacekeepers to remain steadfast in upholding the ideals of the United Nations and the pursuit of sustainable peace.

The combined ceremony reaffirmed Nigeria’s enduring commitment to global peace and security, while celebrating the timeless values of sacrifice, honour, courage and service that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.