Nigerian Armed Forces Deploy 197 Soldiers to ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia
Nigeria sends 197 soldiers to The Gambia under ECOMIG after completing intensive training in Kaduna. Major General Uwem Bassey urges troops to uphold peace and discipline.
Enet
The Nigerian Armed Forces has sent 197 soldiers to join the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), after they finished an intense training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre in Kaduna.
Charge to the Troops
During the ceremony, Major General Uwem Bassey, the Chief of Operations for the Nigerian Army, praised the troops for completing their Pre-Deployment Training (PDT). He encouraged them to represent Nigeria well and protect the country’s good name in international peace efforts.
“You are not just representing Nigeria,” Bassey said. “You are also ambassadors of peace for all of West Africa. You carry the Green-White-Green flag to a land that needs stability, peace, and hope. You go not as conquerors but as protectors of peace—saving lives, earning trust, and restoring dignity where it has been lost.”
He also reminded the soldiers to stay disciplined, respect local customs, and remain neutral during their mission. Bassey stressed that any acts of sexual misconduct would not be tolerated. Violators would face serious punishment.
Nigeria's Legacy in Peacekeeping Operations
He highlighted Nigeria’s long history of peacekeeping work, noting the military has been recognized worldwide for its efforts in Lebanon, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan. “Our soldiers have always been awarded medals for bravery and skill,” he said.
While The Gambia remains relatively calm now, Bassey warned there are still issues that need attention to keep its citizens safe.
Earlier, Major General Ademola Adedoja, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, confirmed that this was the first batch of Nigerian troops to graduate from PDT for ECOMIG. He also mentioned the centre had trained the third United Nations force for Abyei in South Sudan earlier this year.
