By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The United Nations has reaffirmed that investing in peace is synonymous with investing in humanity, as it paid tribute to Nigerian peacekeepers for their contributions to global peace and security during the commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Peacekeepers in Abuja.
Speaking at the event held on Wednesday at the United Nations House, Abuja, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Malick Fall, said the 2026 commemoration was held under the theme, “Invest in Peace,” a message he described as simple but powerful.
According to him, peace is not built overnight but through deliberate actions in schools, communities, places of worship, courts of justice and other institutions that promote stability and human development.
“Every investment in peace is an investment in humanity,” Fall said, quoting United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has repeatedly emphasized that peace remains the foundation of sustainable development.
He noted that for nearly 80 years, United Nations peacekeepers have stood between fear and hope, protecting civilians, supporting elections, strengthening institutions and helping societies transition from conflict to stability.
Fall disclosed that more than two million people have served under the UN flag since 1948, while over 87,000 military, police and civilian personnel currently continue the mission across the globe.
Highlighting Nigeria’s role in international peacekeeping, he said the country has a proud record spanning more than five decades, with over 200,000 troops and personnel deployed to peace operations worldwide since 1966.
“Today, Nigeria deploys 335 uniformed peacekeepers in United Nations missions, including 138 officers from the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
The UN official praised Nigerian peacekeepers for serving with courage, discipline and honour in difficult environments, describing them as symbols of trust and hope for vulnerable communities around the world.
He also paid tribute to peacekeepers who lost their lives in service, saying their sacrifices remain permanently etched in the history of global peace efforts.
“We gather not only to honour those who serve, but also to remember those who never returned home. Their legacy will continue to live on,” he stated.
Fall further commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for its commitment to promoting peace, security and stability both domestically and internationally.
According to him, peacekeeping abroad and peacebuilding at home are interconnected efforts that require sustained collaboration among governments, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, women, youth groups and development partners.
“Peace is not only the absence of conflict; it is the presence of opportunity. Peace is a child learning in safety, a family living without fear and a community united in purpose,” he said.
He stressed that Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice and strong institutions, remains central to achieving all other development goals.
“The greatest gift we can leave to future generations is not wealth but peace — a peace that lasts, includes everyone and leaves no one behind,” Fall added.
The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shuaibu said the Nigerian Army remains a key partner of the United Nations in promoting international peace and security.
He described this year’s theme as timely, noting that peace can only be achieved through strategic investments in institutions, partnerships, dialogue and human development.
“This calls for decisive action to ensure that civilian and military peacekeepers have the resources required to carry out their mandates effectively,” Shuaibu said.
He paid tribute to serving and retired peacekeepers as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace, noting that their dedication continues to inspire global efforts toward a safer and more secure world.
Also speaking, Assistant Commissioner of Police Janet Salami, a veteran UN Ex- peacekeeper, reflected on her deployment between 2022 and 2024 as Nigerian Contingent Commander in South Sudan, where she led 20 female officers on a peacekeeping mission.
Salami described peacekeeping as a demanding but rewarding responsibility that requires courage, resilience and commitment.
“This year’s theme, ‘Invest in Peace,’ is both timely and significant because peace is never accidental and never free. It requires deliberate investment, resources and people willing to place themselves in harm’s way so others can live in safety and dignity,” she said.
She explained that her experiences in Sudan and South Sudan exposed her to two critical dimensions of peacekeeping — commanding a Foreign Police Unit responsible for maintaining public order and protecting UN personnel, and leading Individual Police Officers engaged in mentoring local security institutions and supporting long-term peacebuilding efforts.
According to her, sustained investment in training, mobility, communication systems and operational readiness remains essential to the success of peacekeeping missions worldwide.
In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said peacekeepers represent humanity’s collective commitment to a safer and more peaceful world.
He noted that those serving under international peace missions are more than statistics, describing them as mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and friends who have dedicated themselves to protecting vulnerable populations across the globe.
“Their sacrifice reminds us that peace is not free. It is secured through extraordinary acts of courage, selflessness and dedication,” he said.
Disu highlighted the contributions of Nigerian police officers to United Nations, African Union and regional peace operations, noting that their professionalism and expertise have strengthened Nigeria’s reputation within the international community.
He warned that rising threats such as terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime, cybercrime, communal conflicts, climate-related insecurity and forced displacement have made peacebuilding more challenging than ever.
“As we commemorate this year’s event, we are reminded that peace cannot be taken for granted. It must be deliberately built, nurtured and sustained,” he said.
The Inspector General of police advocated greater investment in prevention, institution-building, human rights protection, dialogue, capacity development and modern peacekeeping technologies.
He also commended the growing contributions of female officers in international peacekeeping operations, stressing that diversity and inclusion are essential to sustainable peace.
“Peace remains humanity’s most valuable collective achievement. It transcends borders, cultures, religions and political systems,” Disu said.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, who joined participants virtually in honouring peacekeepers serving in missions across the world.
The United Nations International Day of Peacekeepers was commemorated on June 17, 2026, at the United Nations House in Abuja, bringing together government officials, security agencies, diplomats, peacekeeping veterans and development partners to celebrate the sacrifices and achievements of peacekeepers while renewing commitments to global peace and security.
