The Nigerian Contingent Commander of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya Mohammed Abdullahi, has presented educational and household items to more than 20 children and family members of fallen personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF).
The gesture, organised by Intake 28 Alpha, was made at the Defence Camp, Yundum Barracks, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, as part of efforts to support the welfare and education of children whose parents died in military service.
Presenting the items, Lt. Col. Abdullahi expressed condolences to the bereaved families and commended the initiative as a demonstration of military comradeship, compassion and responsibility. He said the welfare of families left behind by fallen personnel remained a shared responsibility within the military profession.
“The sacrifice made by our fallen colleagues does not end with their passing. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that their families, particularly their children, continue to receive the support, encouragement and opportunities they deserve,” he said.
The items donated included bags of rice, vegetable oil, school bags, mathematical sets, writing materials, exercise books and other educational and household supplies. The initiative also featured words of encouragement for the beneficiaries and their guardians.
The Commander said the gesture reflected the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to supporting families of personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice, in line with the welfare emphasis of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
Chairperson of Intake 28 Alpha, Captain Sainabou Jatta, urged the children to remain focused on their education and uphold the values of courage, discipline, sacrifice and service exemplified by their parents.
Also speaking, the Commanding Officer, 1 Infantry Battalion, Yundum Barracks, Lieutenant Colonel Ambrose Dacosta, said the loss of military personnel often creates emotional, social and economic challenges for their families. He noted that while the departed could not be replaced, collective support could help ease some of the difficulties faced by their dependants.
The initiative, according to the Nigerian Contingent, further demonstrates the bonds of comradeship and cooperation between the Nigerian and Gambian Armed Forces, with military welfare extending beyond national boundaries to support families of fallen personnel.
