Force Commander of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), Colonel Aliyu Tine, has charged Nigerian troops serving under the mission to sustain the Nigerian Army’s long-established reputation for professionalism, discipline and operational excellence in peace support operations.
Colonel Tine gave the charge on Friday during his maiden operational visit to the Nigerian Contingent Base Camp at Yundum Barracks, his first official engagement with Nigerian Company (NIGCOY) 11 since the contingent assumed operational duties on June 29, 2026.
He was received by the Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Yahya Mohammed Abdullahi, alongside officers and soldiers of the contingent.
The visit enabled the Force Commander to assess the contingent’s operational activities, administrative arrangements, personnel welfare and overall mission readiness. He also inspected facilities within the camp, interacted with troops and received firsthand briefings on the unit’s achievements, challenges and future projections.
Addressing the personnel, Colonel Tine commended the officers and soldiers for their discipline, professionalism and commitment since deployment, describing those qualities as essential to the successful execution of the ECOMIG mandate.
He urged the troops to remain united and mission-focused, stressing that teamwork, mutual trust and cohesion remain the bedrock of effective peace support operations.
The Force Commander further applauded the reputation Nigerian troops have earned through decades of distinguished service in ECOWAS and United Nations peacekeeping missions, expressing confidence that NIGCOY 11 would uphold that proud tradition throughout its deployment in The Gambia.
He reminded the personnel that beyond their responsibilities as peacekeepers, they also serve as ambassadors of Nigeria.
According to him, every action and decision taken by the troops reflects directly on the image of the Nigerian Armed Forces, making discipline, professionalism and respect for the laws and customs of the host nation non-negotiable.
Colonel Tine encouraged the soldiers to wear the Nigerian flag with pride and honour while remaining steadfast in delivering on the ECOMIG mandate.
During a separate interaction with officers, the Force Commander called for unwavering loyalty and support for the Contingent Commander, noting that effective leadership, unity of purpose and operational efficiency depend largely on officers leading by example.
Earlier, Lieutenant Colonel Yahya Mohammed Abdullahi briefed the Force Commander on the contingent’s operational activities, administrative arrangements, welfare, achievements, challenges and future projections since assuming command of NIGCOY 11. He reaffirmed the contingent’s commitment to the successful accomplishment of the ECOMIG mandate and expressed appreciation for the Force Commander’s visit and continued support.
The visit concluded with an interactive session with officers and soldiers, an inspection of key facilities within the camp, the signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of a commemorative souvenir and group photographs, reinforcing ECOMIG’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards and strong leadership engagement with frontline contingents.
