By Emmanuel Nduka
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has successfully deployed 198 Nigerian troops to The Gambia as part of the rotation of personnel serving under the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), in a move aimed at reinforcing regional peace, security and stability across West Africa.
According to a statement by the NAF, the strategic airlift operation involved the transportation of personnel from Nigerian Company 11 (NIGCOY 11 ECOMIG) aboard a C-130H aircraft to take over operational responsibilities from Nigerian Company 10 (NIGCOY 10 ECOMIG).
The operation, carried out in two coordinated sorties between May 26 and May 30, 2026, also included the movement of operational equipment and the troops’ personal effects, ensuring a seamless transition between the outgoing and incoming contingents.
The Air Force said the successful deployment demonstrated its growing strategic air mobility capability and ability to project responsive and decisive air power beyond Nigeria’s borders in support of peace support operations within the ECOWAS sub-region.
It noted that the mission further underscored the NAF’s increasing role as a strategic enabler of multinational peace support operations and a dependable air mobility partner in West Africa.
The statement added that through sustained operational readiness, strategic airlift capability and mission-focused professionalism, the NAF continues to strengthen Nigeria’s leadership in regional security while enhancing its credibility as a committed contributor to international peace support efforts.
It also described the operation as a reflection of Nigeria’s enduring commitment to promoting peace and stability across West Africa through ECOWAS, attributing the success of the mission to the professionalism, courage and sacrifice of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Reaffirming the strategic importance of air power, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said: “Air power delivers its greatest effect when it provides the speed, reach and flexibility to respond wherever national and regional security demands.”
He added: “Every successful airlift mission reinforces our commitment to protecting Nigeria’s interests, supporting regional stability and projecting a mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power whenever and wherever required.”
The NAF said the successful troop rotation reflects the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in synergy with surface forces, while advancing Nigeria’s strategic influence, strengthening regional partnerships and supporting international peace and security.
