The Nigerian Contingent 11 of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) participated in a sanitation exercise at the Kanifing General Hospital on Saturday, 26 September 2026.
Speaking during the exercise, the Contingent Commander, Nigerian Contingent 11, Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya Mohammed Abdullahi, expressed appreciation to the management of Kanifing General Hospital for providing the opportunity for the contingent to contribute to the upkeep of the facility. He also commended the hospital management for its continued support and assistance to the Nigerian Contingent since its deployment to The Gambia.
A statement signed by Captain Babale Kela Public Information Officer Nigerian Contingent, ECOMIG said Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi stated that the exercise formed part of the contingent’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives aimed at strengthening relations with host communities and institutions.
He noted that such engagements provide opportunities for personnel to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of local communities while fostering mutual understanding, cooperation and unity.
The Contingent Commander explained that the initiative was inspired by the Nigerian Armed Forces’ longstanding practice of using Civil-Military Cooperation activities to strengthen relationships between the military and host communities. He noted that the emphasis placed by the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff on constructive civil-military engagements provides a framework for personnel to support communities and strengthen public trust. According to him, the Nigerian Contingent is extending this approach within the ECOMIG environment to deepen its relationship with Gambian institutions and local communities.
In his remarks, the Hospital Administrator, Mr Baboucarr Saine, who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Basiru Drammeh, welcomed the personnel to the hospital and described the exercise as a demonstration of national and community service.
Mr Saine commended the Nigerian Contingent for the gesture, noting that the exercise reflected its commitment to supporting the wellbeing of the Gambian community and contributing to the improvement of local institutions. He particularly appreciated the Contingent Commander for personally participating in the exercise, describing his presence as a demonstration of leadership by example and commitment to strengthening relations between the Nigerian Contingent, the hospital and the Gambian people.
The exercise brought together personnel of the Nigerian Contingent and staff and management of Kanifing General Hospital, who worked jointly to clean and improve the hospital environment
The sanitation exercise underscores the commitment of Nigerian Contingent 11 to advancing ECOMIG’s Civil-Military Cooperation efforts and supporting initiatives that promote mutual trust, community wellbeing and cordial relations between the Mission and its host communities andinstitutions.
