UK, Germany boost Nigeria counter-insurgency partnership

Defence attachés from the United Kingdom and Germany have reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations during a visit to the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri.

During the visit on February 18, the United Kingdom’s Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Tom Harper, highlighted the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the UK, stressing shared values around democracy, rule of law and human rights.

He commended the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces in tackling terrorism in the North-East and pledged continued training support through the British Military Advisory Team.

Similarly, Germany’s Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Boris Bovecamp, said his visit aimed to explore areas for future collaboration, particularly capacity building and regional cooperation initiatives to improve operational effectiveness in the fight against insurgency.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the contributions of both countries to Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts.

He noted that training programmes supported by international partners have strengthened troops’ skills and improved responses to evolving security threats.

Abubakar also identified technical expertise, equipment provision and logistics support as key areas for deeper collaboration.

The visit concluded with the signing of the visitors’ register, exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph, underscoring continued international cooperation in efforts to defeat terrorism in the region.