 The Nigerian Army is deploying 196 contingents to Gambia, Army Chief of Operations Major General Tareed Laboja, stated this at a pre-employment graduation of contingents at the Martin-Luda Agua International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji Kaduna State. Plus, Steven Hughes Correspondent, Habila Darafai, file in this report. Though pre-deployment training is aimed at refreshing the knowledge and expertise of the contingent in peace support operations, as well as to enable them of a firm grasp of all the rudiments and mandates of the mission. The Chief of Operations, Army Major General Tareed Laboja, charges the contingent to be all the ambassadors of the country, noting their tactical skills they have acquired. We put them in good stead to accomplishing the task of the Ekomeg mandate. I call you to remain focused and committed throughout your tour of duty in the Gambia. Particularly, I urge you all to deliver excellent service and exemplary readership to promote the image of the emphasis of Nigeria and our dear country at large. I wish you all a successful tour of duty to the Gambia. I look forward to your safe return on completion of that task. Also, the commandant of the Peacekeeping Center orgies the contingents to show actions now to tarnish image of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The troops have been well trained and prepared for the mission ahead. But the contingent is prepared and ready to do the mission proud. Additionally, you must also at all times discharge your duties in line with the mission's mandate and strictly adhere to the mission's rules of engagement. Also bear in mind in the multidimensional nature of the mission as well as cultural and religious diversities of the Gambia which underscore the need for respect for others and other missions in particular. The demand of Nigerian Company 8 equals mission in the Gambia you must not forget that you are all ambassadors of our great nation. The deployment of the 197th contingent to the Gambia is coming two weeks after Nigerian Army deployed 172 troops to Guinea-Bissau for a similar operation.