About 500 Nigerian soldiers are currently on ground in Mali, according to an update from the Defence Headquarters on the current deployment status of the Nigerian contingent to the Africa Led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA).
A statement signed by Colonel Mohammed Yerima, the director of Defence Information revealed that currently, a company strength of 138 men (all ranks) are stationed in the city of Banamba, Mali.
“The AFISMA Headquarters in Bamako is manned by 17 Nigerian personnel; 24 personnel are currently stationed at the transit camp; and a Signal Squadron of 61 personnel is currently deployed,” he said.
“The Nigerian Air Force, which is stationed in Niamey, Niger Republic, has a total strength of 300 personnel. The remaining troops and equipment will be deployed in due course. Also expected to deploy is a contingent of 140 Nigeria Police personnel who are already on standby.”
Col Yerima added that at the moment, the Nigerian Armed Forces has deployed over 500 officers and men to the AFISMA operation.
Last month, the Federal Government pledged the deployment of a Battalion and support services of about 1,200 soldiers to AFISMA, after France began the campaign to liberate the troubled West African nation from the rebels.
