ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Army has deployed an all-female military contingent to the Republic of Benin for a peace support operation, marking the first deployment of its kind in the Army’s history, a senior commander has said.
Female soldiers from the Nigerian Army Women Command have also been assigned to security operations in Plateau State, while others participated in the recent governorship election in Osun State.
The outgoing commander of the Nigerian Army Women Command, Brigadier General Mohammed Adamu, disclosed the deployments during an interview with journalists in Giri, Abuja, on Monday, September 21, 2026.
According to Adamu, the contingent deployed to Benin Republic participated in Operation ALAFIA, while the troops assigned to Plateau State served under Operation ENDURING PEACE.
Female Troops Deployed for Peace Operations
Adamu said the deployment to Benin Republic represented the first time the Nigerian Army had sent female personnel as a complete contingent for a peace support mission.
The commander also confirmed that personnel from the women’s command had been deployed to Plateau State to support ongoing efforts to restore security in communities affected by violence.
He said the command had participated in election security operations during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.
The deployments were among the operational activities Adamu highlighted during a ceremony marking the refurbishment of military vehicles and the renovation of the command’s Soldiers’ Club in Abuja.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria, Adamu attributed the command’s operational activities to the support of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
“Whatever achievements we have recorded at the Nigerian Army Women Command could not have been possible without the enabling environment provided by the Chief of Army Staff,” he said.
Army Improves Operational Readiness
Adamu said his tenure had included efforts to strengthen the command’s ability to mobilise personnel and equipment for military assignments at short notice.
The refurbishment of operational vehicles was intended to improve troop mobility, while the renovation of the Soldiers’ Club was aimed at improving welfare facilities for military personnel.
He said the command would continue contributing personnel to security operations within Nigeria and peace support assignments outside the country.
Adamu is leaving the Nigerian Army Women Command following his appointment as the pioneer commander of the newly established 8 Brigade in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
His redeployment was among the senior military appointments announced by the Army earlier in September.
