Nigeria deploys 197 troops to Gambia

A fresh contingent of 197 Nigerian troops has been deployed to join the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), following the completion of a rigorous pre-deployment training exercise at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in Jaji, Kaduna State.

During a send-off ceremony on Friday, the Chief of Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Uwem Bassey—represented by Maj.-Gen. Ishaya Maina, Deputy Chief of Operations (Army) Force Generation—highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to global peacekeeping.

“You are not only representatives of Nigeria but also ambassadors of peace for the entire West Africa,” Bassey told the troops.

He stressed the importance of discipline, neutrality, and upholding human dignity in their mission, especially in preventing any form of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), warning that violators would face strict consequences.

“Sexual exploitation and abuse have no place in our world. They violate everything that the United Nations stands for,” he said. “You carry the Green-White-Green flag into a land seeking stability, order, and hope. You are going, not as conquerors, but as guardians of peace protecting lives, building trust, and restoring dignity where it has been lost.”

Bassey reaffirmed Nigeria’s role in international peace efforts, referencing the nation’s track record in conflict resolution from Lebanon to Liberia, Sierra Leone to Sudan.

“Nigerian peacekeepers have repeatedly earned global citations and medals for leadership, bravery and professional competence,” he said. “Today, Nigeria remains a pillar of international peace efforts, with our troops performing exceptionally well in The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Abyei in South Sudan.”

On the current state of affairs in The Gambia, Bassey described the situation as “relatively stable,” but acknowledged that security challenges persist, requiring the continued presence and vigilance of peacekeepers.

In his remarks, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the deployed troops had successfully completed their Pre-Deployment Training (PDT), which was designed in line with United Nations Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials (CPTM).

“The training curriculum was designed in line with UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials (CPTM) and included mission-specific training on topics such as Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices and financial management for peacekeepers,” Adedoja explained.

He said the course also featured tactical exercises, including convoy operations, VIP protection, and base security protocols.

“Your conduct and professionalism in the mission area will define not only your personal reputation but also that of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large,” Adedoja told the troops. “Please note that any act of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), misconduct and human rights violations will not be tolerated.”

He also extended appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his leadership, and acknowledged the support of the training facilitators and sister institutions involved in the program.