Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The United Kingdom’s Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Strategy and Operations), Lieutenant General Sir Charlie Collins, has arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, for high-level engagements with Nigerian military officials aimed at deepening defence cooperation and reinforcing support for Nigeria's ongoing campaign against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East. The visit, announced on Tuesday by the British Defence Staff West Africa, underscores the enduring defence partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as the shared commitment of both nations to strengthening regional security, countering terrorism, and enhancing military professionalism through sustained cooperation.
Lieutenant General Collins was hosted by the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, where he engaged with senior Nigerian military commanders, including Theatre Commander Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and observed ongoing areas of military collaboration between both countries. During the engagement, Collins reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to continued collaboration with Nigeria, emphasising the importance of building upon the longstanding relationship between both countries to address contemporary security challenges. In a post on its official platform, the British Defence Staff West Africa welcomed the senior military officer, stating: “Welcome to Nigeria, Lt Gen Sir Charlie Collins KBE DSO, UK Deputy CDS (MSO). In Maiduguri with @HQNigerianArmy colleagues, seeing UK-Nigeria defence cooperation first-hand and supporting Nigeria-led efforts to strengthen security and regional stability”.
Highlights of the visit included the inspection of a Quarter Guard and the observation of a practical field training exercise conducted under the auspices of the British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT). The training reflects the continued commitment of both partners to capability development and professional military education, key enablers for enhancing operational effectiveness, sustaining battlefield successes, and advancing long-term security and stability in the North East. Photographs released during the visit showed Collins receiving a military guard of honour and participating in ceremonial exchanges with senior Nigerian military officers. Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, the Deputy Theatre Commander who held brief, highlighted the value of strategic partnerships, training cooperation, and professional military development in consolidating operational gains and advancing lasting peace and stability across the North East.
Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, has remained at the centre of Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and terrorism, making it a key location for international security cooperation and military engagements. The visit comes amid renewed efforts by Nigeria to strengthen international partnerships in tackling security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and cross-border criminal activities affecting parts of the country and the wider Lake Chad region. Military authorities say collaboration between both countries has continued to focus on capacity building, intelligence sharing, training, and operational support aimed at enhancing regional security and stability.
Collins’ visit comes months after President Bola Tinubu emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s partnership with the United Kingdom in addressing security challenges in West Africa and the Sahel region. Speaking during a state banquet at St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle during his state visit to the UK in March, Tinubu described the relationship between the two countries as one built on shared values, democratic traditions, literature, and strong people-to-people connections. According to Tinubu, deeper cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom is critical to confronting terrorism and other security threats affecting the West African sub-region. “Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel,” the president said. “Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential”.
The Sahel region has continued to face growing security concerns linked to extremist activities and cross-border insurgent movements, with Nigeria playing a leading role in efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability across the region. The latest visit by the UK defence official is expected to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries further as Nigeria continues its efforts to address terrorism and other security challenges. The visit underscores ongoing defence collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, particularly in areas aimed at enhancing security, combating terrorism, and promoting stability across the region. The visit also highlights the growing military partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, particularly in intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism support, training, and operational cooperation.
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