The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed 198 Nigerian troops to The Gambia in support of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), reinforcing Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to regional peace, stability and collective security across West Africa.
The Nigerian Air Force has successfully airlifted 198 personnel of Nigerian Company 11 (NIGCOY 11 ECOMIG) to The Gambia as part of Nigeria’s contribution to the ECOWAS peacekeeping mission. The deployment highlights the country’s continued leadership role in promoting peace and security within the West African sub-region.
According to the Nigerian Air Force, the deployment was carried out aboard a NAF C-130H aircraft in two coordinated sorties conducted between May 26 and May 30, 2026.
The operation facilitated the rotation of troops by deploying Nigerian Company 11 (NIGCOY 11) while simultaneously returning members of Nigerian Company 10 (NIGCOY 10) from the mission area, together with their operational equipment and personal effects.
The deployment forms part of Nigeria’s contribution to the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), a regional peace support operation established to help maintain stability and support democratic governance in The Gambia.
The Nigerian Air Force said the successful airlift demonstrates its expanding strategic air mobility capability and ability to rapidly deploy personnel and logistics in support of multinational peace operations across West Africa.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the importance of air power in modern military operations, stating that strategic airlift enables rapid response whenever national or regional security requires it.
According to the Air Force, the mission further strengthens Nigeria’s reputation as a dependable contributor to regional peace and collective security under the ECOWAS framework while showcasing the professionalism and operational readiness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The latest deployment underscores Nigeria’s continued commitment to supporting peacekeeping operations across West Africa. Defence authorities say the Armed Forces will remain actively engaged in multinational security efforts aimed at promoting stability, protecting civilians and strengthening regional cooperation under the ECOWAS framework.