In furtherance of Nigeria's commitment to regional peace and security, an ECOWAS Standby Force Inspection Team visited the 301 Heavy Airlift Group (301 HAG) on 10 November 2026 to assess the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130H aircraft for potential deployment in support of regional security operations.

The multinational delegation, comprising senior military officers from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Benin Republic, Guinea and The Gambia, was led by Brigadier General S Massaquoi of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces. The visit followed Nigeria's pledge to make aviation assets available to the ECOWAS Standby Force. The team had earlier assessed the Super Puma and H-125 helicopters at the 355 Rotary Wing Group.

During the visit, the Commander 301 HAG, represented by the Group Operations Officer, Group Captain EO Oladejo, briefed the delegation on the C-130H's operational capabilities, including strategic airlift, aerial paradropping, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief operations. The assessment highlights Nigeria's continued commitment to regional security cooperation and underscores the NAF's capacity to provide critical air mobility and strategic airlift support for collective peace, stability and security across West Africa.

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