"I applaud the legacy that Nigerian peacekeepers have in global peacekeeping. They have continually served with diligence in the former AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) and now ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia),” said ATMIS Police Commissioner, Hillary Sao Kanu. The Commissioner of Police (CP) Kanu was speaking at medal award ceremony for 160 officers from the Nigeria Formed Police Unit (NFPU) in Mogadishu on Saturday.

CP Kanu noted that the Nigerian contingent had played an important role in advancing the Mission’s mandate and singled out the support rendered to the Individual Police Officers (IPOs), thus enabling them to mentor and train Somali Police Force (SPF) officers. "I want to thank you all for your great contributions, commitment, and steadfastness to ensuring that we deliver on our mandate,” she said.

The Nigerian Contingent Commander, Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohammed Ibrahim, noted that the unit had maintained good relations with the Somali Police Force and served the mission diligently. "The NFPU-11 personnel have displayed a high level of professionalism, commitment, and dedication during our tour of duty,” said the contingent commander. He added that, "It is worthy to note that these officers have also conducted themselves, and none of them have breached the ATMIS Code of Conduct.”

The commander of the Uganda Formed Police Unit, Superintendent of Police Juventine Euku, thanked his Nigerian counterparts, with whom they work closely, for their dedication to security.

"I want to extend my vote of thanks to the leadership of the NFPU-11 for the teamwork and good cooperation over the past year,” said SP Euku. The NFPU-11 officers thanked Somalia and the Mission for the opportunity to serve. "We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the peace and security process in Somalia,” said Sergeant Iche Esther. Her colleague, Inspector (IP) Joseph Ebu said; "Today is a special day for every member of this contingent. We have contributed as a team and have also learnt important lessons in the discharge of our duties.”

In attendance at the event were the ATMIS Police Chief of Staff, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Lanre Ogunlowo; the ATMIS Police Operations and FPU Coordinator, DCP Ahmed Lateef; ATMIS Police Training Coordinator Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Samuel Okanta; ATMIS Police Reforms, Restructuring, and Development (RR and D) Coordinator ACP John Simon as well as the commander of Uganda Special in Somalia, Col. Bwengwe Mwebaze.

The FPUs support Somali Police in maintaining security – they provide VIP escort and protection, secure key government installations and high-level events among other functions. They also provide security for the IPOs to do mentoring and training to the Somali Police Force. FPU contributing countries include Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.

- ATMIS -