Nigeria not under threat – Military explains UN vehicles, equipment in Benin

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has reacted to videos on social media showing the presence of United Nations fighting vehicles and equipment in Benin, Edo State.

A statement on Tuesday by Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau said the sighting has caused insinuations and panic.

He, however, clarified that Nigeria is contributing troops to UN peacekeeping, the most recent being United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in Southern Sudan, Gusau clarified.

The spokesperson noted that the mission is commanded by a Nigerian, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, saying the UN doesn’t have its own troops.

The world body, he explained, usually enters into an agreement with countries to provide their personnel and equipment for operations in its various missions.

“The vehicles and equipment painted in UN colour are being moved through the Warri Port for movement to the mission area in Southern Sudan to join our troops inducted into UNISFA last month,” Gusau said.

The DHQ assured Nigerians that the country “is not under any threat that will warrant the deployment of United Nations troops into her soil”.