The Force Commander of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), Colonel Aliyu Tine, has conducted his maiden operational visit to the Nigerian Contingent Base Camp at Yundum Barracks, where he commended Nigerian troops for their professionalism and commitment to the peacekeeping mission.
The visit, which took place on July 24, 2026, followed the assumption of command by Nigerian Company (NIGCOY) 11 on June 29, 2026.
Colonel Tine was received by the Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Yahya Mohammed Abdullahi, alongside officers and soldiers of the contingent.
According to a statement by the Public Information Officer of the Nigerian Contingent, Captain Kela Babale, the visit was aimed at officially welcoming the newly deployed contingent, assessing its operational activities, administrative arrangements, personnel welfare, and obtaining first-hand information on its challenges and plans.
The Force Commander also inspected facilities within the camp and issued directives aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and mission readiness.
Addressing the troops, Colonel Tine praised the officers and soldiers for demonstrating exemplary discipline and professionalism since their induction into the mission. He urged them to remain united, disciplined and committed to the successful implementation of the ECOMIG mandate.
He stressed that mutual trust, teamwork and cohesion remain critical to achieving operational success.
Colonel Tine noted that Nigerian troops have consistently distinguished themselves in ECOWAS and United Nations peace support operations through outstanding performance and professionalism. He expressed confidence that the current contingent would uphold the country’s reputation throughout its deployment in The Gambia.
The Force Commander reminded the personnel that, beyond their peacekeeping responsibilities, they also serve as ambassadors of Nigeria. He charged them to uphold the highest standards of conduct, respect the laws and customs of the host nation, and carry out their duties with integrity and professionalism.
He further encouraged the troops to wear the Nigerian flag with pride while maintaining discipline and dedication throughout their tour of duty.
During a separate meeting with officers of the contingent, Colonel Tine urged them to remain loyal to the Contingent Commander and support his leadership to sustain unity, effective command and operational efficiency. He also emphasised the importance of leading by example, noting that officers’ conduct directly influences the soldiers under their command.
Earlier, Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi briefed the Force Commander on the contingent’s operational activities, welfare, achievements, administrative arrangements, challenges and future projections since assuming command of NIGCOY 11.
He reaffirmed the contingent’s commitment to successfully delivering the ECOMIG mandate and expressed appreciation for the Force Commander’s visit and continued support.
The visit featured an interactive session with officers and soldiers, a guided tour of key facilities within the camp, the signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of a commemorative souvenir to the Force Commander, and a group photograph.
