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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and security by successfully deploying 198 troops to The Gambia as part of the Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).
The deployment, carried out using the NAF’s C-130H transport aircraft, involved the airlift of personnel of Nigerian Company 11 (NIGCOY 11 ECOMIG) to replace Nigerian Company 10 (NIGCOY 10 ECOMIG), whose tour of duty had ended.
Conducted in two coordinated sorties between May 26 and May 30, 2026, the operation also transported operational equipment and personal belongings of the deployed personnel, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted transition of responsibilities.
The successful airlift demonstrates the Nigerian Air Force’s growing strategic airlift capability and its ability to rapidly deploy forces beyond Nigeria’s borders in support of peacekeeping and regional security operations.
According to the Air Force, the operation further cements its position as a dependable air mobility partner for multinational peace support missions within the ECOWAS sub-region.
The service noted that its sustained investment in operational readiness and strategic air mobility continues to enhance Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting peace, stability and collective security across West Africa.
It added that the deployment reflects Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to ECOWAS peace initiatives and underscores the sacrifices and professionalism of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria serving in international peace support operations.
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Commenting on the mission, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said strategic air mobility remains one of the most effective instruments for responding to evolving security challenges.
“Air power delivers its greatest effect when it provides the speed, reach and flexibility to respond wherever national and regional security demands,” he said.
The Air Chief noted that every successful deployment strengthens Nigeria’s ability to safeguard its national interests while contributing meaningfully to regional stability.
“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,” he stated.
The Nigerian Air Force said the successful troop rotation aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s vision of building a highly motivated, professional and combat-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in joint operations with other security agencies.
It added that the mission not only enhances operational effectiveness but also deepens Nigeria’s strategic influence, strengthens military cooperation among ECOWAS member states and contributes to sustained peace and security across the West African region.
