Nigeria Marks 2026 UN Peacekeepers Day in Abuja

Nigeria joined the United Nations on Wednesday to mark the 2026 International Day of UN Peacekeepers with a commemoration held in Abuja. The event paid tribute to nearly 4,500 peacekeepers who have died in operations since 1948, including 59 who lost their lives in 2025.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Mohamed Fall addressed the gathering and said the day offered an opportunity to honor the service of those who died.

He stated that peace is built in classrooms, places of worship and courts of justice, and that every investment in peace is an investment in humanity. Fall also noted Nigeria's record of sending more than 200,000 troops and personnel to peace operations worldwide since 1966.

He said the country currently deploys 335 uniformed peacekeepers in UN missions, including 138 officers from the Nigerian police force.

Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu delivered the keynote address. He said the commemoration recognizes the courage and commitment of personnel who served in volatile regions, and that the 59 deaths recorded in 2025 represent dedicated individuals who answered the call beyond their nations' borders.

Disu added that the Nigerian police force has served in numerous African Union and regional peacekeeping missions, bringing professionalism and compassion to conflict-affected communities.

Major General Kunle Ajose represented Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu at the event. Shaibu said the Nigerian Army will continue to develop capacity and capabilities for UN deployments and will remain a key partner in ensuring peace and security.

" AllAfrica reported that the Nigerian government and the United Nations used the occasion to recognize both current personnel and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.