The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully airlifted 198 personnel of Nigerian Company 11 (NIGCOY 11 ECOMIG) to The Gambia in a strategic deployment that underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, security, and stability under the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).
According to an official statement, the operation was executed using a NAF C-130H aircraft in two coordinated sorties conducted between 26 and 30 May 2026. The airlift facilitated the seamless deployment of NIGCOY 11 ECOMIG to assume operational responsibilities while simultaneously rotating out Nigerian Company 10 (NIGCOY 10 ECOMIG), along with the movement of operational equipment and personal effects.
The successful mission highlights the Nigerian Air Force’s strategic air mobility capability and its ability to project responsive and decisive air power beyond Nigeria’s borders, enabling the rapid deployment of forces in support of peace support operations across the ECOWAS sub-region.
The statement noted that the operation further reinforces the NAF’s growing role as a strategic enabler of multinational peace support operations and a dependable air mobility partner in West Africa. Through sustained operational readiness, strategic airlift capability, and mission-focused professionalism, the Air Force continues to strengthen Nigeria’s leadership in regional security while enhancing its reputation as a reliable contributor to international peace support efforts.
It added that the deployment reflects Nigeria’s enduring commitment to advancing peace and stability across West Africa through ECOWAS, made possible by the professionalism, courage, and sacrifice of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, whose dedication continues to promote collective security and regional cooperation.
Reaffirming the strategic importance of air power, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said, “Air power delivers its greatest effect when it provides the speed, reach and flexibility to respond wherever national and regional security demands.”
He added, “Every successful airlift mission reinforces our commitment to protecting Nigeria’s interests, supporting regional stability and projecting a mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power whenever and wherever required.”
The successful troop rotation, the statement noted, reflects the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready 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.
