President Umaro Embaló of Guinea Bissau has honored Brig.-Gen. Al-Hassan Grema of the Nigerian Army with the National Order of Merit, Cooperation and Development Medal of Guinea Bissau.
Brig.-Gen. Grema served as the pioneer Force Commander of the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB), deployed in April 2022.
The deployment of Brig.-Gen. Grema followed a failed coup attempt in Guinea Bissau on February 1, 2022, during which the President and his cabinet were attacked at the Palacio do Governo while holding a meeting. Under Brig.-Gen.
Grema’s 17-month leadership, the ESSMGB played a crucial role in stabilizing Guinea Bissau and ensuring peace and stability in the country.
“According to many sources, the presence of the ESSMGB ensured an atmosphere of peace and security in the fragile West African country as evidenced by the huge increase in economic activities and return of many International non-governmental organization (INGOs) and global organizations.
“Several countries, including the US, are also working on reopening their diplomatic missions and offices in Bissau.
“During the award ceremony, well attended by the Guinea Bissau military and political top hierarchy, President Embalo poured encomiums on Grema and wished him well,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, praised Brigadier General Al-Hassan Grema for his outstanding service in Guinea Bissau, bringing pride to Nigeria.
The CDS has encouraged other commanders serving in various foreign missions to follow the remarkable example set by Brig.-Gen. Grema.