Nigeria’s Defence Chief Commends Brig. General Grema As He Recieves Guinea Bissau National Award

Nigeria’s Defence Chief Commends Brig. General Grema As He Recieves Guinea Bissau National Award

The Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa has commended Brigadier General Al-hassan Muhammad Grema, the former Force Commander ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) for making Nigeria proud as President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, HE Umaro Sissoco Embaló honoured him with the National Order of Merit, Cooperation and Development Medal at the Presidential Palace in Bissau.

Acting Director Defence Information, Brig General Tukur Gusau in a press statement on Saturday, 30 September, 2023 noted that the Nigeria’s own Gen GREMA was the pioneer Force Commander of the ESSMGB which was deployed to Guinea Bissau in April 2022.

He added that the deployment was necessitated following the failed coup attempt in the country on 1 February 2022 during which the President and his cabinet were attacked at the Palacio do Governo while holding a meeting. 

During the award ceremony which was well attended by the Guinea Bissau military and political top hierarchy, President Embalo poured encomiums on on Gen Grema and wished him well.

Brig General Tukur Gusau stressed that the CDS therefore called on other Commanders in various foreign missions to emulate the shining example of the Senior officer.

The ESSMGB under Gen Grema’s 17-months stewardship stabilized Guinea Bissau and ensured peace and stability. According to many sources, the presence of the ESSMGB ensured an atmosphere of peace and security in the fragile West African country as evidenced by the huge increase in economic activities and return of many INGOs and global organizations. Several countries including the US are also working on reopening their diplomatic missions and offices in Bissau.