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The Defence Headquarters has stated that it will begin the withdrawal of some Nigerian troops from the Peace Support Operations in Mali as from tomorrow.
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The Director Defence Information, Brigadier- General Chris Olukolade , stated this in a statement made available in Abuja yesterday.
According to Olukolade, the troops are mainly those not accommodated in the structures of the newly formed United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali, (MINUSMA).
He added that the troops are to join the ongoing internal security operations in the country, saying that the development was sequel to the takeover of the mission from African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) by the United Nations (UN).
The Defence spokesman further stated that some of the soldiers will be redeployed immediately.
The statement reads in part, “Nigeria’s commitment and contribution to the Mali operations will be sustained in other forms. This will involve input of sizable men and materials to continue in the UN Mission.
“Accordingly, Nigeria will be providing a full-fledged Level two Military Hospital with full staff compliment; a Signal Squadron as well as Staff Officers in the Force Headquarters. A troop of the Mobile Police Force is also remaining in the mission.”
