Annan praises Nigeria's peacekeeping record, offers help with troublesome unit

Noting the United Nations' and Nigeria's shared commitment to a policy of zero-tolerance for sexual exploitation in peacekeeping, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed Nigeria's decision to recall a unit from the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following allegations of misconduct.

The UN will provide all appropriate assistance to the Nigerian Government as it undertakes measures at the national level to address the allegations, Mr. Annan's spokesman said in a statement.

"The Secretary-General acknowledges the outstanding contribution of Nigeria to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Indeed, Nigeria is a long-standing African peacekeeping partner and an important troop and police contributing country," he said.