Nigerian Army Deploys 86 Troops to Guinea-Bissau for ECOWAS Peace Mission

The Nigerian Army has deployed another batch of troops to the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) as part of Nigeria’s continued commitment to promoting peace and security in West Africa.

The Army disclosed this in a statement shared via its official X handle on Saturday, August 1, saying the latest contingent, known as Nigerian Company 5 (NIGCOY 5 ESSMGB), comprises 86 personnel.

According to the statement, the troops departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, aboard a Nigerian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and arrived safely in Guinea-Bissau to begin their assignment under the ECOWAS mandate.

The Army said the deployment further demonstrates Nigeria’s leadership role in regional peace support operations and its commitment to conflict prevention and stabilisation efforts across Africa.

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Prior to their departure, the Chief of Operations (Army), Major General MLD Saraso, represented by the Director of Peace Support Operations, Brigadier General MM Idris, charged the troops to maintain professionalism, discipline and operational excellence throughout the mission.

He urged the personnel to serve as worthy representatives of the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the country by respecting the laws, customs and traditions of Guinea-Bissau.

The troops were also warned against misconduct, with the Army stressing the need for zero tolerance for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), substance abuse, indiscipline and irresponsible use of social media.

“Conduct yourselves as exemplary ambassadors of the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Federal Republic of Nigeria by faithfully executing the mission mandate, respecting the laws, customs and traditions of the host nation,” the statement quoted the Army as saying.

The Nigerian Army noted that the deployment reinforces its long-standing contribution to peacekeeping operations under regional and international bodies, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union and the United Nations.

It added that the service remains committed to projecting Nigeria’s strategic leadership in peacebuilding and maintaining collective security across the continent through the professionalism and dedication of its personnel.