Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Army has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya Mohammed Abdullahi as the new Commander of the Nigerian contingent serving under the Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG). The appointment was formalised during a change of command ceremony held on Monday, June 29, 2026, marking the end of the one-year peacekeeping assignment of the outgoing commander, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Agada.
During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Agada officially handed over leadership of Nigerian Contingent 10 to Lt. Col. Abdullahi, who now assumes command of Nigerian Contingent 11. The handover symbolised the transfer of authority and responsibility, reaffirming the Nigerian Army's commitment to the ECOWAS peace support mission aimed at promoting peace, security and stability in The Gambia.
In his farewell remarks, Agada congratulated his successor and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the contingent with professionalism and dedication. He also urged officers and soldiers to give the new commander their full cooperation, stressing that the success of any commander depends on the commitment, discipline and support of personnel under his leadership. The ceremony was attended by officers and soldiers of the Nigerian contingent, who witnessed the symbolic transfer of command, reflecting the Army's emphasis on professionalism, discipline and continuity in its peacekeeping operations.
Following the event, members of the outgoing Nigerian Contingent 10 departed The Gambia for Nigeria after successfully completing their one-year peacekeeping mission under the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia. The deployment of Nigerian troops to The Gambia is part of ECOWAS's broader efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region, following political transitions and security challenges in the country. Nigeria, as a key contributor to regional peacekeeping missions, has consistently provided military personnel to support ECOWAS-led operations across West Africa.
The ECOMIG mission was established to support the consolidation of peace and democratic governance in The Gambia, particularly after the political crisis in 2016-2017 that led to the departure of long-time leader Yahya Jammeh. Nigerian troops have played a significant role in the mission, providing security, logistical support, and capacity building for Gambian security forces. The appointment of Lt. Col. Abdullahi signals the continued commitment of the Nigerian Army to regional stability and its readiness to support peacekeeping operations under the auspices of ECOWAS.
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