The Nigerian Air Force on Wednesday airlifted troops to
the Gambia, a day before the initial time set for the inauguration of
the President-elect, Mr Adama Barrow.
Gambian parliament had earlier on Wednesday extended the president’s remaining days in office by 90 days.
The deployment is part of efforts to ensure that President Yahya
Jammeh will hand over power to the winner of the December 1 presidential
election.
ECOWAS, West African bloc, had warned that military force may be considered should Mr Jammeh insists on staying on in power.
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| Troops ready for Gambia operation a day to the inauguration date |
The Nigerian contingents will join troops from Ghana and Senegal.
“Your Mission Is Very Clear”
ECOWAS decided to engage its military might after mediating team led by Nigerian leader, Muhammadu Buhari, could not convince President Jammeh to relinquish power to the president-elect of Gambia.
Mr Jammeh had earlier said he would accept the result of the election
but changed his mind few days later, insisting that another election
should be held.
He had filed a suit but the judiciary of the country refused to give its ruling in the case.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Sadiq Abubakar, told the
contingent before their departure from the Air Force Unit to be of good
behaviour, observe safety and precautionary measures as they carry out
their operations.
He gave the assurance that all that the troops needed would be provided.
The Air chief said: “I want to leave nobody in doubt that you are
professionals. I want you to also leave nobody in doubt that you are a
highly disciplined force.
“Your mission is very clear. Your commander is with you. What we want
is for you to get there, do you work professionally and conduct
yourselves as disciplined force”.
Done with the address, the troops made their way to their various
aircraft participating in the operation while the support team made
their way to the Charlie 130 Aircraft.
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| A 200-man contingent left Nigeria for The Gambia to make good ECOWAS’ threat of engaging force to ensure that President Jammeh leaves office |
The other pilots took their positions in the various fighter jets participating in the operation.
The 200-man contingent include 20 air crew and 80 combat support team
for the first batch of the Nigerian Air contingent in the yet to be
named operation.
Their departure came a day after Naval Ship NNS Unity left the shores of Nigeria for the Gambia, readying for any military force.
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| Nigerian Air Force aircraft departs Nigeria for The Gambia |
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