The UK has donated non-lethal army tools valued at roughly N1 billion (£450,000) to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The help is aimed toward enhancing Nigeria’s combat in opposition to violent extremist organizations within the North East and signifies a strengthened partnership between the British Army and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
At a proper handover ceremony in Maiduguri, the tools was introduced to Main Common Wahidi Shaibu, the Joint Activity Power North East (JTF NE) Theatre Commander.
The donation consists of superior non-lethal technical instruments designed to help Nigerian forces of their counter-insurgency efforts.
Alongside this donation, the UK is delivering a sequence of skill-building programs tailor-made to the Nigerian army’s operational wants within the area.
A workforce of 20 personnel from the British Military is stationed in Maiduguri, the place they’re at the moment main a course targeted on growing important expertise mandatory for continued operations in opposition to extremist teams. The UK has dedicated to conducting seven extra coaching packages by February 2025, concentrating on specialist expertise required for Nigeria’s future safety operations within the North East.
Colonel Martin Leach, Deputy Head of British Defence Employees (West Africa) and Commander of British Army Coaching Groups in Nigeria, emphasised the significance of the UK’s partnership with Nigeria in combatting extremism.
Talking on the handover, he said, “I’m delighted to be right here right now at hand over this tools and mark one other growth within the robust partnership between the UK and Nigeria. The UK stands with Nigeria within the continued combat in opposition to violent extremist organisations within the North East.”
Along with tools and coaching, the UK has personnel embedded within the Theatre Counter-IED Coordination Cell in Maiduguri. This workforce works carefully with Nigerian counterparts to develop intelligence on terrorist networks liable for deploying improvised explosive gadgets (IEDs) that focus on each civilians and army personnel. This collaboration goals to scale back the impression of IED assaults, thereby enhancing security and stability within the area.
The UK’s help consists of seven extra specialised programs to be delivered over the approaching months. These coaching packages are designed to equip the Nigerian Military with superior operational expertise and guarantee a sustainable strategy to countering violent extremist organizations in Nigeria.
This donation from the UK displays a deepening alliance with Nigeria, aimed toward fortifying the nation’s protection mechanisms in opposition to terrorism and bolstering its army coaching sources.
China’s President Xi Jinping has pledged $50 billion in monetary help and dedicated to deeper army cooperation with African nations over the following three years.
Moreover, Xi introduced $280 million in support cut up between army and meals help, with $140 million marked for army help – the most important allocation for protection help on the Discussion board up to now.
