Force Commander Pays Maiden Operational Visit to Nigerian Contingent in The Gambia, Commends Troops’ Professionalism
YUNDUM, THE GAMBIA — The Force Commander of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), Colonel Aliyu Tine, has undertaken his maiden operational visit to the Nigerian Contingent Base Camp at Yundum Barracks, reaffirming confidence in the professionalism, discipline, and operational readiness of Nigerian troops serving under the regional peace support mission.
The visit, conducted on 24 July 2026, marked Colonel Tine’s first official engagement with the Nigerian Company (NIGCOY) 11 since the contingent assumed operational responsibilities on 29 June 2026. Beyond its ceremonial significance, the visit provided an opportunity for the Force Commander to evaluate operational activities, inspect welfare and administrative arrangements, interact directly with personnel, and reinforce the strategic objectives of the ECOWAS peacekeeping mission in The Gambia.
Upon arrival at the base camp, Colonel Tine was received by the Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Yahya Mohammed Abdullahi, alongside senior officers and soldiers of the Nigerian contingent. A formal reception preceded a comprehensive operational briefing and inspection of facilities within the camp.
According to military officials, the Force Commander used the visit to obtain firsthand information on the contingent’s operational responsibilities, welfare conditions, logistical arrangements, and the challenges confronting personnel in the mission area.
The inspection also focused on assessing the state of critical infrastructure within the camp and identifying areas requiring attention to sustain operational efficiency. Such visits are considered vital in peace support operations as they provide mission leadership with direct insight into the readiness, morale, and effectiveness of deployed troops.
Colonel Tine also engaged extensively with officers and soldiers, listening to their observations while providing guidance on maintaining high operational standards throughout the deployment.
Addressing officers and soldiers during the visit, Colonel Tine praised the Nigerian contingent for demonstrating exemplary discipline, professionalism, and commitment since arriving in the mission area.
He noted that the conduct displayed by the troops reflected the longstanding reputation of the Nigerian Armed Forces in regional and international peace support operations.
The Force Commander urged all personnel to remain united and focused on achieving the objectives of the ECOMIG mission, stressing that unity, teamwork, and mutual trust remain essential ingredients for successful peacekeeping operations.
He emphasized that peace support missions often require personnel to operate in complex environments where discipline, cooperation, and professionalism are indispensable.
According to him, maintaining cohesion within the contingent would strengthen operational effectiveness while enhancing the credibility of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia.
Colonel Tine further observed that Nigerian troops have consistently distinguished themselves during ECOWAS and United Nations peace support operations across Africa through exceptional professionalism and operational excellence.
He expressed confidence that the current contingent would continue to uphold that proud tradition throughout its deployment in The Gambia.
Nigeria remains one of West Africa’s leading contributors to regional peacekeeping operations, with its armed forces playing key roles in numerous ECOWAS and United Nations missions over the decades. The country’s military personnel have earned international recognition for supporting conflict resolution, protecting civilians, and contributing to regional stability.
The Force Commander encouraged the troops to preserve this legacy by maintaining the highest standards expected of Nigerian peacekeepers.
In one of the defining moments of his address, Colonel Tine reminded the personnel that they represent not only ECOMIG but also the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He stressed that every action taken by members of the contingent reflects directly on the image, integrity, and reputation of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Force Commander therefore charged the officers and soldiers to conduct themselves with honour, discipline, and professionalism while respecting the laws, customs, and traditions of their host nation.
He urged them to wear the Nigerian flag on their shoulders with pride, emphasizing that professionalism both on and off duty contributes significantly to strengthening Nigeria’s reputation within the international community.
Colonel Tine concluded his remarks by wishing all members of the contingent a safe, successful, and rewarding tour of duty.
As part of the operational visit, the Force Commander held a separate interaction with officers of the contingent.
During the meeting, he encouraged officers to provide unwavering support and loyalty to the Contingent Commander to sustain effective leadership and operational efficiency.
He reminded them that leadership by example remains one of the most important principles in military service, noting that the conduct of officers directly influences the discipline, morale, and performance of soldiers under their command.
The session also served as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of professionalism, accountability, and teamwork within the leadership structure of the contingent.
Earlier, Lieutenant Colonel Yahya Mohammed Abdullahi presented a detailed operational briefing to the Force Commander.
The briefing covered the contingent’s operational activities since assuming responsibility for NIGCOY 11, including administrative arrangements, personnel welfare, achievements recorded, existing challenges, and future operational projections.
Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi reaffirmed the contingent’s commitment to successfully implementing the ECOMIG mandate while assuring the Force Commander that officers and soldiers remained fully prepared to discharge their responsibilities professionally.
He also expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a morale booster that demonstrates the mission leadership’s commitment to the welfare and effectiveness of deployed personnel.
The operational visit concluded with several activities designed to strengthen interaction between mission leadership and the Nigerian contingent.
Highlights included an interactive session with officers and soldiers, an inspection tour of key facilities within the camp, the signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of a commemorative souvenir to Colonel Tine, and group photographs to commemorate the occasion.
The visit underscores ECOMIG’s continued emphasis on leadership engagement, operational preparedness, and personnel welfare as the regional mission works toward sustaining peace and stability in The Gambia.
Source: Captain Kela Babale, Public Information Officer, Nigerian Contingent, ECOMIG (Press Statement, 24 July 2026).
