The Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency Mr Anthony Oluwatosin Ogunjimi, accompanied by His Excellency Mohamadou Musa Njie, High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative to ECOWAS and Gambian Ambassador to Nigeria, has paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Contingent serving under the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).
A statement signed by Captain Babale Kela Public Information Officer Nigerian Contingent ECOMIG said the visit took place on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, at Yundum Barracks, The Gambia.
During the visit, Mr Ogunjimi commended the Contingent Commander, officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Contingent for their dedication, professionalism and sustained commitment to the successful implementation of the Mission’s mandate and the promotion of regional security. He also acknowledged the Contingent’s contributions to Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, particularly its efforts to strengthen relations with host communities despite prevailing operational and logistical challenges.
The Vice President further urged the troops to sustain unity, mutual cooperation and professionalism, emphasising that effective teamwork and a shared sense of purpose were essential to achieving the Mission’s objectives. He also expressed appreciation for the Nigerian Contingent’s contributions to peace and stability in The Gambia and encouraged personnel to remain steadfast in the discharge of their assigned responsibilities while upholding the core values of ECOMIG.
Also speaking, the Gambian Ambassador to Nigeria commended the Nigerian Contingent for its discipline, professionalism and dedication to duty despite the challenges associated with serving away from home and family. He expressed the Gambian Government’s appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of ECOMIG personnel towards maintaining peace and security in the country and the wider West African sub-region. He also reaffirmed The Gambia’s recognition of Nigeria’s continued commitment to regional peace and stability.
In his remarks, the Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel YM Abdullahi, expressed appreciation to the Vice President and his delegation for the visit, noting that it demonstrated the ECOWAS Commission’s continued interest in the welfare and operational effectiveness of the troops. He congratulated Mr Ogunjimi on his appointment as Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission and wished him a successful and impactful tenure. The Commander also reaffirmed the Nigerian Contingent’s commitment to the effective discharge of its mandate in support of ECOMIG’s objectives.
Highlights of the visit included a briefing by the Contingent Commander on the Contingent’s operational activities, achievements and challenges, a tour of camp facilities, and an interactive session with officers and soldiers. The visit also featured the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph to commemorate theoccasion.
