The leader of the Nigerian delegation to The Gambia, Major General TE Gagariga, has charged Nigerian troops serving under the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and integrity, reminding them that they are ambassadors of Nigeria whose conduct directly reflects the country’s image and reputation.
The charge came during an official visit by a Nigerian delegation led by Major General Gagariga to the Nigerian Contingent at Yundum Barracks, The Gambia, on 22 July 2026. The delegation, which was in the country to participate in the 19th African Security Watch Conference, visited the contingent before returning to Nigeria.
Addressing officers and soldiers, Major General Gagariga commended the troops for their dedication and commitment to the peace support mission, describing them as not only peacekeepers but also ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He reminded the personnel that their professionalism, discipline and relationship with the people of the host nation would significantly influence Nigeria’s image and international standing.
He therefore urged them to remain law-abiding, respect constituted authority and strictly comply with the Nigerian Armed Forces’ policy on the responsible use of social media.
The senior officer also tasked officers to lead by example, noting that soldiers naturally look to their commanders for guidance and inspiration. He stressed the importance of accountability, integrity and exemplary leadership in maintaining the operational effectiveness of the contingent.
In his response, the Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel YM Abdullahi, expressed appreciation to Major General Gagariga and members of the delegation for visiting the contingent despite their demanding schedule.
He described the visit as a morale booster and thanked the delegation for its words of encouragement and professional guidance.
Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi assured the delegation that the Nigerian Contingent would continue to uphold professionalism, discipline and operational excellence while faithfully executing its mandate under ECOMIG. He added that the troops remain committed to preserving the honour and prestige of the Nigerian Army and Nigeria throughout their deployment.
The visit also featured a guided tour of the Nigerian Contingent Base Camp, where the delegation was briefed on the camp’s facilities and ongoing operational activities before rounding off the engagement with a group photograph.
