The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has airlifted 198 Nigerian troops to The Gambia as part of the rotation of personnel serving under the Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).
The deployment, carried out between May 26 and May 30, 2026, involved the transportation of newly deployed troops and their operational equipment, as well as the repatriation of personnel who had completed their tour of duty.
In a statement, the Nigerian Air Force said the operation was executed using one of its C-130H Hercules transport aircraft, underscoring the service’s strategic airlift capability and readiness to support regional peacekeeping and security operations.
According to the NAF, the successful airlift demonstrates its capacity to rapidly deploy troops and logistics in support of multinational missions across West Africa and beyond.
“The operation involved the deployment of 198 troops and their equipment to The Gambia, while personnel who had completed their assignment under the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia were airlifted back to Nigeria,” the statement said.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the mission as a reflection of Nigeria’s enduring commitment to regional peace, security and stability.
Aneke noted that the operation highlights the country’s continued support for collective security initiatives under the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“Such missions demonstrate Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace and security across West Africa through ECOWAS-led initiatives,” he said.
Nigeria remains one of the largest contributors of troops and military assets to regional and international peacekeeping operations.
Through ECOMIG, ECOWAS member states have continued to support stability in The Gambia following the political transition that ended the rule of former President Yahya Jammeh in 2017.
The latest troop rotation reinforces Nigeria’s longstanding role as a key contributor to peace support operations in West Africa and highlights the Nigerian Air Force’s growing capability in strategic air mobility and expeditionary operations.
