The Nigerian Defence Attaché (DA) to Mali, designated to The Gambia, Brigadier General OJ Babatunde, on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, paid official visits to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), Lieutenant General O Gomez; the Nigerian High Commissioner-designate to The Gambia, His Excellency Rt Hon Tasiu Musa Maigari; and the Nigerian Contingent 11 of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).
During his visit to the Gambian CDS, Brigadier General Babatunde expressed appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended to Nigerian troops serving in The Gambia.
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A statement signed by Captain Babale Kela Military Public Information Officer Nigerian Contingent 11 ECOMIG said he commended the longstanding bilateral relations between Nigeria and The Gambia and called for increased collaboration in areas that would strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to peace, security and stability in the sub-region. He also emphasised the importance of information sharing and conveyed the goodwill and regards of the Chief of the Defence Staff, Armed Forces of Nigeria, General OO Oluyede, and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria.
In his remarks, Lieutenant General O Gomez expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s sustained military support to The Gambia, particularly in the areas of professional military training, defence cooperation and peace support operations. He acknowledged the contributions of Nigerian troops serving under ECOMIG towards peace and stability in The Gambia and called for enhanced bilateral cooperation, particularly in providing further training opportunities for personnel of the GAF.
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The visit was attended by the Deputy CDS, Commander Gambian National Army, Commander Gambian Navy, a representative of the Commander Gambian National Guards, the GAF Public Relations Officer and other senior staff officers. The Commander, Nigerian Contingent 11, ECOMIG, also accompanied the Defence Attaché during the engagement.
Similarly, Brigadier General Babatunde visited the Nigerian High Commission in The Gambia, where he met with the Nigerian High Commissioner-designate, His Excellency Rt Hon Tasiu Musa Maigari. During the meeting, the Defence Attaché formally introduced himself, congratulated the High Commissioner-designate on his appointment and assumption of office, and discussed areas of mutual interest aimed at advancing Nigeria’s national interests and promoting the welfare of Nigerians in The Gambia.
At the Nigerian Contingent 11 headquarters, Brigadier General Babatunde expressed satisfaction with the Contingent’s performance and commended the Commander for the positive recognition and commendations received by the unit. He also appreciated the warm reception accorded him upon arrival in The Gambia and lauded the officers and soldiers for their dedication, professionalism and sustained contributions towards the successful execution of ECOMIG’s mandate.
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Addressing officers and soldiers of the Contingent, the Defence Attaché emphasised the importance of unity, mutual support, discipline and esprit de corps among personnel. He urged them to remain their brothers’ keepers, strengthen camaraderie and refrain from all forms of misconduct capable of undermining the cohesion and operational effectiveness of the Contingent. He further charged personnel to uphold the highest standards of military professionalism and conduct themselves in a manner that would continue to project the good image of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He noted that discipline, unity and mutual respect remain essential to maintaining harmony within the Contingent and ensuring the successful accomplishment of the Mission’s mandate.
The visits featured interactive engagements, exchanges of souvenirs and group photographs, further underscoring the enduring defence cooperation, diplomatic relations and military partnership between Nigeria and The Gambia. The engagements also provided an opportunity to strengthen institutional ties, promote information sharing and explore additional avenues for cooperation in support of regional peace and security.
