After spending 20 months on Malian soil, elements of the formed police unit of the Federal Republic of Nigeria deployed to the United Nations Police (UNPOL/MINUSMA) in Timbuktu, are returning home. A total of 70 of them boarded an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing on September 8.

The formed police unit in Timbuktu alone conducted more than 200 patrols with the Malian security forces day and night, in addition to 135 long-range patrols. "We are proud of the work we have done here since our arrival in January 2021. There was no shortage of challenges, we faced them all with heart. It has been an honor to serve under the UN flag in a friendly country," said the Head of Unit, Commander Adachie IKOBULU. In addition, the daily presence of Nigerian police officers on the axis that connects the city of Timbuktu to the airport has helped to put an end to the robberies that used to take place there regularly, thus facilitating the free movement of people and their goods.

Referring to the outgoing formed police unit, the Divisional Commissioner of the United Nations Police (UNPOL) in Timbuktu, Sanou DIOUF, said "that they carried out their tasks with professionalism and respect for our Malian partners".

On the tarmac of Timbuktu airport, the joy of the departures gave way to the determination of the arrivals, also 70 in number. As a liaison officer, Major TIMOTHY says he is aware of the challenges ahead. "We are ready to serve with honor and determination, as our predecessors did," he said.

This last movement of departure and arrival completes the rotation of the 8th detachment of the Nigeria Formed Police Unit, which began on 22 August.