The Defence Headquarters/Army Headquarters Assessment and Validation Team, led by Brigadier General Sunday Jimmy Ilori, has commended the Nigerian Contingent of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia for its professionalism, discipline, operational preparedness and sustained commitment to duty.
A statement signed by Captain Babale Kela, Military Public Information Officer Nigerian Contingent, ECOMIG said the four-day assessment and validation visit, which commenced on 5 October 2026, was aimed at assessing the Contingent’s operational readiness, effectiveness, equipment status, training standards, task deployment, infrastructure and general welfare, as well as verifying its compliance with the mandate of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).
Speaking during the visit on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, Brigadier General Ilori conveyed the warm regards of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff to officers and soldiers of the Contingent. He commended the Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel YM Abdullahi, and the entire personnel for their commitment to duty and concerted efforts towards enhancing the operational and administrative capacity of the Contingent.
The Team Leader described the remodelled Quarter Guard as a visible symbol of discipline, order and professionalism, noting that the Quarter Guard serves as the first point of contact and reflects the standards, bearing and outlook of a military formation. He commended the initiative and commitment that culminated in its remodelling and subsequent commissioning.
Brigadier General Ilori also acknowledged the various infrastructure improvements undertaken under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel YM Abdullahi, particularly the renovation of the Contingent Headquarters Administrative Block, which accommodates the Contingent Headquarters, Medical Station, Mosque, Chapel and Signals Communication Centre. The improvements included roof replacement, installation of air-conditioning systems and extensive renovation of the Contingent Commander’s Office, among other enhancements.
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He charged officers and soldiers to sustain the standards achieved, support the Contingent Commander and remain disciplined, dedicated and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities. He further urged personnel to continue to uphold the reputation of the Nigerian Armed Forces as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria while maintaining cordial relations with the Gambian authorities and the host community.
A major highlight of the visit was the decoration of a recently promoted officer of the Contingent, Major T Umar, with his new rank. The decoration, conducted on Thursday, 8 October 2026, was performed by Brigadier General Sunday Jimmy Ilori and the Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel YM Abdullahi, in the presence of senior officers and personnel of the Contingent.
In his vote of thanks, the newly promoted senior officer; Major T Umar, expressed appreciation to Almighty God and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, for finding him worthy of the elevation in rank and status. He also expressed special appreciation to the Team Leader, the Contingent Commander, Staff Officers from Force Headquarters, senior officers and colleagues for honouring the occasion despite their demanding schedules
Speaking earlier, the Team Leader, Brigadier General SJA Ilori, alongside Brigadier General MM Idris, Lieutenant Colonel YM Abdullahi and other senior officers, congratulated Major T Umar on his promotion. They charged him to redouble his efforts, noting that the new rank comes with greater responsibilities and higher expectations. They also urged other personnel to remain committed to excellence and continue to give their best in the discharge of their duties, stressing that promotion in the military is merit based and structured to ensure that only the most deserving and high-performing officers progress to higher responsibilities.
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The assessment team also inspected and verified Contingent owned equipment, evaluated ongoing training activities, assessed task deployment and operational preparedness, and inspected camp facilities and other infrastructure. The programme further featured interactions with personnel, exchange of souvenirs and group photographs.
The visit and associated activities reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to operational excellence, infrastructural development, troop welfare, professional standards and sustained mission readiness in support of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia.
