- The Nigerian Air Force successfully transported 198 personnel of the Nigerian Company 11 to The Gambia to join the regional ECOWAS peacekeeping mission.
- The extensive operation was executed in two coordinated sorties utilizing a NAF C-130H tactical transport aircraft over a four-day period in late May.
- This successful cross-border rotation also facilitated the safe return of the outgoing contingent alongside critical military hardware and personal effects.
The Nigerian Air Force has successfully concluded a major strategic airlift operation, transporting 198 personnel from the Nigerian Company 11 to The Gambia.
Eko Hot Blog reports that this extensive deployment was executed in direct support of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia, reinforcing Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to regional peace and democratic stability within the West African sub-region.
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The complex logistical operation, which took place over several days in late May, highlights the military’s advanced capability to project decisive air mobility and manage large-scale troop movements beyond domestic borders.
According to an official statement released by the Nigerian Air Force on Friday, the deployment was carried out using a specialized NAF C-130H aircraft.
The mission required two meticulously coordinated sorties executed between May 26 and May 30, 2026. Beyond delivering the fresh contingent of NIGCOY 11 troops to their operational stations, the flights successfully facilitated the rotation and return of the outgoing Nigerian Company 10.
The aircraft also managed the heavy transport of essential operational equipment and the personal effects of the deployed personnel, ensuring a seamless transition of responsibilities on the ground.
Air Force officials emphasized that the success of the mission underscores Nigeria’s growing capacity for strategic air mobility and responsive force deployment.
By executing this international rotation smoothly, the service has demonstrated its readiness to meet multinational peacekeeping obligations and strengthen collective security frameworks across West Africa.
The operation is viewed as a clear testament to the operational readiness, discipline, and rigorous training of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Reflecting on the successful deployment, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, praised the dedication and professionalism of the crew and ground forces involved.
He emphasized that modern air power is a critical asset when responding to the evolving and fluid security challenges facing the continent.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that the true value of air power is realized through speed, flexibility, and extended reach, allowing the military to deploy resources rapidly wherever regional security demands.
He reiterated that every successful airlift strengthens Nigeria’s capacity to protect its national interests while remaining a steadfast leader in regional peace support initiatives.
This latest deployment aligns directly with the strategic vision of the Air Force leadership to foster a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force that operates in perfect synergy with surface troops.
Nigeria has consistently served as a cornerstone of the ECOMIG intervention force since its initial deployment in 2017. The regional mission was originally established by ECOWAS to restore stability following a tense political impasse when former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh contested the 2016 election results.
Today, Nigerian forces continue to play a vital role in maintaining security, safeguarding the democratic transition, and assisting with essential security sector reforms in The Gambia.
