No Need To Panic Over UN Fighting Vehicles — Army

The Nigerian Army has said that Nigerians need not panic over the presence of some United Nations (UN) peacekeeping fighting vehicles in the country.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Defence Headquarters in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.

Gusau said following some short video clips in circulation on social media showing the presence of the UN vehicles, there have been reactions from people which may cause panic.  

"The Defence Headquarters hereby state that presently, Nigeria is contributing troops to various United Nations Peacekeeping operations, the most recent is United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Southern Sudan.  

"The Mission is commanded by a Nigerian, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr.  

"It should be noted that the UN doesn't have its own troops, rather it enters into an agreement with troops contributing countries to provide their personnel and equipment for operations in its various missions.

"Therefore, it is imperative to state emphatically that the military fighting vehicles and equipment painted in UN colour as sighted are being moved through the Warri port for movement to the mission area in Southern Sudan to marry up with our troops who were inducted into UNISFA mission last month," Gusau explained.

Gusau added that the Defence Headquarters assures Nigerians that the country was not under threat to warrant the presence of the UN troops.