AU Mission in Somalia honours 160 Nigerian police officers
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has honoured 160 Nigerian police officers in recognition of their exceptional work and support to the country’s peace and security.
At a ceremony on Thursday in Mogadishu, ATMIS Police Commissioner CP Hillary Sao Kanu awarded African Union medals of distinction to the officers of the 12th contingent of the Nigeria Formed Police Unit (NFPU-12).
“Your performance during your one-year tour of duty is commendable,” said CP Kanu. “You exhibited high levels of commitment and professionalism under difficult circumstances. Your service has been marked by courage, resilience, and a steadfast dedication to protecting the Somali people and supporting their aspirations for a peaceful, safe and secure country.”
ATMIS Police Training Coordinator, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Samuel Asiedu Okanta, acting ATMIS Police Operations and FPU Coordinator, ACP Richard Evans Onyait, and component commander of the Uganda Special Forces in Somalia, Lt. Col. Edward Mugisha, were among senior ATMIS Police and military officials present at the ceremony.
Acknowledging the Nigerian police officers’ sacrifices in Somalia, ACP Onyait asked them to continue serving Nigeria with discipline and a good outlook.
Chief Superintendent Shehu Gani Ahmed, the Nigerian contingent commander, complimented the officers on their excellent work and contribution to the ATMIS mission as a whole.
“As a contingent, we have contributed our own quota to the success story of ATMIS in the search for sustainable peace in Somalia. As we complete our tour of duty, it is our earnest prayer that Somalia will achieve the desired peace,” said CSP Ahmed.
Commander of the Uganda Formed Police force, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Justus Asiimwe, praised the Nigerian contingent and stated that his force is motivated by the same purpose to support Somalia’s efforts towards peace and stability.
The ATMIS Formed Police Units (FPUs) offer the Somali Police Force (SPF) operational support by protecting and escorting VIPs, providing security for important events, serving as mentors and training programs for SPF personnel, and guarding important government installations, among other responsibilities.
Ghana, Uganda, and Sierra Leone are among the other nations that provide police units to ATMIS through formation.
