Sierra Leone awards Nigeria’s CDS for role in ECOMOG peacekeeping mission

The President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, has honoured the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, General Olufemi Oluyede, with the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel.

The award was presented during a colourful parade marking the 17th Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.

General Oluyede received the recognition for his outstanding contributions to securing peace in Sierra Leone while serving under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). The award also acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigerian officers and soldiers who helped maintain stability in the country.

In his citation, General Oluyede was commended for his operational service, including his deployment as a Platoon Commander at the residence of the then Sierra Leonean Head of State between 1992 and 1994, where his leadership, dedication, and commitment to peace were highlighted.

Other distinguished figures from Nigeria, Guinea, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Kenya were also honoured at the ceremony. Notable awardees included former Nigerian CDS General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Lt Gen Daniel Opande of Kenya (rtd), Lt Gen Ibrahima Sory Bangoura of Guinea, Maj Gen Paul Rogers of the USA, and Brig Gen Edward Butler (rtd) of the UK.

The event also paid special tribute to the courage, resilience, and solidarity of the Nigerian Armed Forces, whose steadfast commitment under ECOMOG was instrumental in regional peace enforcement and the protection of civilians during Sierra Leone’s civil war.