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, had warned that military force may be considered should Mr Jammeh insist on staying in power.

The Nigerian contingents will join troops from Ghana and Senegal.

Channels Television’s correspondent, Amaka Okafor, who joined the troops before their departure in Kanji in Niger State, said that the Chief of Air Staff had earlier arrived at the 117 Air Combat Training Camp In Kanji to address the troops being deployed as part of a stand-by force in a yet to be named operation in the Gambia.

ECOWAS decided to engage its military after the 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.

(Source: Channels)

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