The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the successful airlift of 198 Nigerian troops to The Gambia as part of Nigeria’s contribution to the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia.
According to a report by Punch Newspapers, the deployment was carried out in May 2026 using a NAF C-130H aircraft in two sorties between May 26 and May 30.
The operation involved personnel of Nigerian Company 11 (NIGCOY 11), who were deployed to assume operational duties under the regional peacekeeping mission. The exercise also facilitated the rotation of Nigerian Company 10, alongside the movement of operational equipment and troops’ personal belongings.
In a statement released on Friday, the Air Force said the mission underscored its growing strategic airlift capability and readiness to support peacekeeping and regional security operations across West Africa.
The service noted that the successful deployment reflected its ability to project responsive air power beyond Nigeria’s borders, enabling rapid force deployment in support of peace, security and stability within the ECOWAS sub-region.
Speaking on the mission, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said air power remains vital in tackling evolving security challenges across the region.
He said every successful airlift mission strengthens Nigeria’s ability to protect national interests, support regional stability and maintain a mission-ready force capable of decisive response when needed.
The Air Force added that the deployment aligns with its broader vision of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force that can deliver effective air power in synergy with ground forces.
Nigeria has remained one of the largest contributors to the ECOWAS mission in The Gambia since the force was deployed in 2017 following the political crisis triggered after former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh refused to concede defeat in the 2016 election.
The ECOWAS mission was established to support democratic transition, maintain security and assist with security sector reforms in The Gambia.
