President Julius Maada Bio has conferred General (Rtd) Martin Luther Agwai, CFR, AFM, NAM with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel, Sierra Leone’s highest national honour (GCOR) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to regional and global peace, security, stability, and development.

The honour was bestowed during an investiture ceremony held on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, at State House in Freetown. The event formed part of activities marking Sierra Leone’s Armed Forces Day and served as a tribute to distinguished military leaders whose service has significantly advanced peace and stability.

In his remarks, President Bio described General Agwai as an exceptional military commander whose professionalism and dedication to peacekeeping played a crucial role in stabilizing Sierra Leone during a critical period in its history. He noted that Agwai’s leadership contributed immensely to restoring peace, promoting national reconciliation, and strengthening the foundations for sustainable development.
General Agwai served as Deputy Force Commander at the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) from 2000 to 2002, where he supported key peacebuilding efforts, including disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programmes following Sierra Leone’s civil conflict.

Following his successful mission in Sierra Leone, he was appointed Deputy Military Adviser at the Department of Peacekeeping Operations at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 2002 to 2003, where he contributed to the coordination and strategic planning of global peacekeeping operations.
General Agwai also served as Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), and later as Force Commander of the African Union–United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) from 2007 to 2009. In these roles, he led multinational forces in complex operations aimed at protecting civilians and maintaining stability in conflict-affected regions.

At the national level, General Agwai served Nigeria with distinction as Chief of Army Staff and subsequently as Chief of Defence Staff between 2003 and 2007, providing strategic leadership and enhancing Nigeria’s contributions to international peacekeeping.

President Bio emphasized that the conferment of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel reflects Sierra Leone’s deep appreciation for General Agwai’s exceptional leadership, courage, and enduring commitment to peace and security across Africa and the global community.

The award further underscores the enduring ties between Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and the international peacekeeping community, and highlights the lasting impact of dedicated military leadership in promoting global peace and stability.