The Nigerian Army has unveiled a unique welfare initiative to send selected retired officers and soldiers who served on peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and other African nations back to those countries to witness the lasting peace they helped build.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, announced the program on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing outlining the activities for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL). Shaibu described the initiative as a major highlight of this year’s celebration, specifically designed to honor and appreciate veterans who participated in grueling West African peacekeeping operations under ECOMOG during the early 1990s but have not had the opportunity to return since their deployment ended.

According to the Army Chief, the fully sponsored visits are intended to show the veterans the direct, positive impact of their historical sacrifices and service to the continent, while simultaneously boosting the morale of serving personnel by proving that the nation heavily values long-term military service.

The select group of retired peacekeepers will travel back to these previously conflict-ridden nations to see firsthand how stability, governance, and normal civil life have flourished due to their interventions decades ago.