An army battalion that would be deployed to remove the Gambian President Yahya Jammeh if he refuses to step down from the office has been raised by the Nigerian Army.
The Nigerian battalion would be deployed to Gambia any time after January 19, if Jammeh tries to make his plan to remain in the office after the expiration of his tenure a reality.
Jammeh has refused to step down for Barrow, the president-elect
Below are 7 things you should know about the Nigerian battalion named ECOMOG NIBATT 1, that will remove Jammeh by force.
1. The battalion’s location
The Army’s 19th battalion is based in Okitipupa in Ondo state.
2. Battalion’s personnel
Its personnel were drawn from other formations and units across the country due to shortage of men at 19 battalion. It has a significant chunk of its troops deployed for internal security task force, operation Delta safe.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: ECOWAS gives Gambia’s President Jammeh final ‘red card’ as top minister and ally resigns
3. Its mandate
The army headquarters has instructed the nominated officers and men, put at over 800, to immediately report at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji. This is to foster a crashed course on counter terrorism and counter insurgency.
4. Logistic
For the operation, the army headquarters has instructed the army directorates of policy and plans; finance; and logistics to ready funds, arms, ammunition and other logistics.
READ ALSO: Exposed! Jammeh caught on tape begging Ellen Sirleaf for assistance (video)
5. Preparation
Preparing for the task ahead, the battalion is working hard to get ready armoured vehicles needed.
6. Battalion’s strength
The Nigerian Air Force and the Navy might deploy men and equipment for the operation as well.
7. Battalion’s godfather
The battalion also has the support of the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Jammeh has until midnight of Wednesday, January 18 to leave office for the swearing-in of his successor, Adama Barrow.
West African leaders, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, the chief mediator, will be travelling to Gambia on Friday to persuade him to accept defeat and hand over to the president-elect.
360naze
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