In order to bolster peacekeeping efforts in South Sudan, the Nigerian army has deployed special forces to the region, underscoring its commitment to regional stability.
This deployment, announced on Tuesday by Maj.-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, Chief of Operations of the Nigerian Army, involves 171 troops sent to Abyei, a contested area straddling the border between South Sudan and Sudan.
The announcement was made during a graduation ceremony for the troops of Nigerian Contingent 3 at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre in Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna.
These troops are set to join the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) at a time when South Sudan faces ongoing instability and violence.
South Sudan’s security situation remains deeply troubled, a legacy of its tumultuous history since gaining independence in 2011. The civil war from 2013 to 2018 left nearly 400,000 dead and displaced millions, and though the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement sought to end hostilities between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, its implementation has faltered.
The transitional period, originally slated to conclude in 2023, has been repeatedly extended, with elections now postponed to December 2026. Key political, security, and governance goals remain unmet, perpetuating a fragile and unpredictable environment.
Recent clashes in areas like Western Equatoria, coupled with spillover effects from Sudan’s ongoing conflict—including unrest in Juba tied to executions in Wad Madani, Sudan—have only deepened the crisis.
Nigeria brings a wealth of experience to this mission, boasting a storied history of peacekeeping across Africa and beyond. With over 4,000 personnel currently deployed to various UN missions, Nigeria ranks among the continent’s top troop contributors.
Its involvement in UNISFA dates back to the mission’s founding in 2011, and in 2022, a Nigerian general was appointed to lead it for the first time, marking a milestone in the country’s growing influence. And in April 2023, Nigeria also contributed troops to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Southern Sudan.
The 171 troops now heading to Abyei have undergone rigorous, specialized training to meet the demands of their assignment.
Medical personnel completed intensive combat medic and lifesaver courses, while crews for Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles received hands-on driving and operational instruction from the German Training Advisory Group and the Nigerian Army School of Infantry’s Armoured Personnel Carrier Wing. This preparation reflects Nigeria’s commitment to equipping its forces for the complex challenges they will face.
The Nigerian deployment comes on the heels of another regional intervention, as Uganda sent its own special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, just two weeks earlier in March. Requested by the South Sudanese government, Uganda’s deployment aimed to secure the city amid escalating tensions following the detention of two ministers and several senior military officials loyal to Riek Machar by Salva Kiir’s administration.
The arrival of Nigerian special forces in Abyei highlights the country’s steadfast dedication to peacekeeping and regional stability. Yet, South Sudan’s volatility—driven by political discord, inter-communal violence, and external pressures—remains a formidable obstacle. As Maj.-Gen. Sinjen noted, Abyei’s security is marked by persistent conflicts, armed skirmishes, and humanitarian crises, making the troops’ mission both critical and daunting.
While Nigeria and the international community continue to support peacekeeping efforts, lasting stability in South Sudan will require addressing the deep-seated causes of its unrest, a challenge that persists despite these determined interventions.
