The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully deployed 198 personnel of Nigerian Company 11 (NIGCOY 11 ECOMIG) to The Gambia in support of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), demonstrating its growing strategic airlift capability and commitment to regional peace and security.
The operation, conducted aboard a NAF C-130H aircraft, was executed in two coordinated sorties between May 26 and 30, 2026. It facilitated the seamless rotation of Nigerian Company 10 (NIGCOY 10 ECOMIG) while transporting operational equipment and the personal effects of deployed troops.
The successful deployment highlights the Nigerian Air Force's ability to rapidly project air power beyond the nation's borders, ensuring timely force deployment in support of peace support operations across the ECOWAS sub-region.
According to the NAF, the mission further underscores its expanding role as a strategic enabler of multinational peace support operations and a dependable air mobility partner in West Africa.
Through sustained operational readiness and enhanced strategic airlift capability, the Service continues to strengthen Nigeria's leadership in regional security while reinforcing its reputation as a reliable contributor to international peace efforts.
The deployment also reflects Nigeria's enduring commitment to promoting peace, stability and collective security across West Africa under the ECOWAS framework.
The Air Force attributed the success of the mission to the professionalism, courage and dedication of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, whose service continues to advance regional cooperation and security.
Reaffirming the importance of air power in modern military operations, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said air power delivers its greatest impact through speed, reach and flexibility.
"Air power delivers its greatest effect when it provides the speed, reach and flexibility to respond wherever national and regional security demands," he said.
Air Marshal Aneke added that every successful airlift mission reinforces the Nigerian Air Force's commitment to protecting Nigeria's interests, supporting regional stability and maintaining a mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power whenever and wherever required.
He noted that the successful troop rotation reflects his command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready Air Force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces, while advancing Nigeria's strategic influence, strengthening regional partnerships and supporting international peace and security.
