SAN FRANCISCO, January 18, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian government has deployed fighter jets and at least 200 soldiers to join their Senegalese counterparts for a mission to enforce the December 1, 2016 election mandate in the Gambia.
This was disclosed by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Air Force, Ayodele Famuyiwa, in a statement sent to the media which revealed that the Nigerian contingent will form part of the Economic Community of West African States Military Intervention in Gambia (ECOMIG) – a standby force tasked by ECOWAS Heads of State
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed to Senegal as part of Nigerian contingent of Economic Community of West African States Military Intervention in Gambia (ECOMIG) – a standby force tasked by ECOWAS Heads of State to enforce the December 1, 2016 election mandate in the Gambia,” the statement read.
“The NAF today moved a contingent of 200 men and air assets comprising fighter jets, transport aircraft, Light Utility Helicopter as well as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft to Dakar from where it is expected to operate into Gambia.
“The deployment is also to forestall hostilities or breakdown of law and order that may result from the current political impasse in The Gambia.
“Addressing the contingent before departure, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar urged the troops to maintain discipline and be professional in their conduct.
“Reminding them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, the CAS stated that no act of indiscipline by the contingent would be tolerated.
“The contingent, led by Air Cdre Tajudeen Yusuf, was airlifted this morning from 117 Air Combat Training Group Kainji. Other troop contributing countries include Senegal, Ghana and countries within the sub-region.
“You are please requested to disseminate the information through your medium for the awareness of the general public. Thank you for your usual support and cooperation.”
ECOWAS had indicated its intention to forcefully remove President Yahya Jammeh from office, having remained defiant, saying he would not leave office until the Supreme Court hears his petition challenging the victory of President-elect Adama Barrow.
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