Nigerian Police Officers Honored for Exceptional Service in Somalia by ATMIS

The awards ceremony took place in Mogadishu on Thursday and was presided over by ATMIS Police Commissioner, CP Hillary Sao Kanu.

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) recently awarded 160 Nigerian police officers from the 12th contingent of the Nigeria Formed Police Unit (NFPU-12) for their exemplary service and contributions to peace and security in Somalia. The awards ceremony took place in Mogadishu on Thursday and was presided over by ATMIS Police Commissioner, CP Hillary Sao Kanu.

CP Kanu commended the officers for their outstanding performance during their year-long deployment. “Your commitment and professionalism under challenging conditions have been exemplary,” he said. “Your courage, resilience, and dedication have significantly contributed to the safety and security of the Somali people and their quest for peace.”

The ceremony was attended by senior ATMIS officials, including Police Training Coordinator ACP Samuel Asiedu Okanta, acting ATMIS Police Operations and FPU Coordinator ACP Richard Evans Onyait, and component commander of the Uganda Special Forces in Somalia, Lt. Col. Edward Mugisha.

ACP Onyait acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Nigerian officers and encouraged them to uphold discipline and maintain a positive attitude in their future service.

Chief Superintendent Shehu Gani Ahmed, Nigerian Contingent Commander, lauded the officers for their exceptional contributions. “We have played our part in the success of ATMIS’s mission for sustainable peace in Somalia. As our tour concludes, we hope Somalia achieves lasting peace,” he stated.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Justus Asiimwe, commander of the Uganda Formed Police Unit, praised the Nigerian contingent’s efforts and highlighted the shared mission of supporting Somalia’s peace and stability.

ATMIS Formed Police Units (FPUs) offer crucial operational support to the Somali Police Force (SPF), including VIP escort and protection, security for high-level events, mentoring and training of SPF officers, and securing key government installations. Other countries contributing to the Formed Police Units within ATMIS include Ghana, Uganda, and Sierra Leone.  4o m