The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reinforced the Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) with the deployment of 198 personnel, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, security and stability.

The deployment involved personnel of Nigerian Company 11 (NIGCOY 11 ECOMIG), who were airlifted aboard a NAF C-130H transport aircraft to replace Nigerian Company 10 (NIGCOY 10 ECOMIG) following the completion of its tour of duty. The troop rotation was carried out in two coordinated sorties between May 26 and May 30, 2026.

In addition to personnel, the Nigerian Air Force transported operational equipment and the troops’ personal belongings to facilitate a seamless transfer of responsibilities and ensure uninterrupted peacekeeping operations.

The Air Force said the successful operation demonstrates its growing strategic airlift capability and readiness to support multinational peacekeeping missions across the West African sub-region. It added that the deployment underscores its role as a dependable partner in ECOWAS-led security initiatives.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described strategic air mobility as a critical component of modern military operations, noting that the successful deployment reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s operational efficiency and its commitment to advancing regional peace and collective security.

Nigeria remains one of the leading contributors to ECOMIG, the ECOWAS peace support mission established to help maintain stability and democratic governance in The Gambia. The latest troop rotation further highlights the country’s continued leadership in promoting peace and security across West Africa. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.