UK donates military equipment to Nigerian Army for counterterrorism

The British military has handed over technical and military equipment to the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF) to combat violent extremist organisations in the Northeast. The military equipment, valued at 450,000 British pounds (approximately N960.8 million), aims to enhance the ongoing partnership between the UK and Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

Presenting the military equipment on Friday in Maiduguri, the Deputy Commander, British Defense Staff, West Africa, Col. Martin Leach, stated, “I am delighted to be here today to hand over this equipment and mark another development in the strong partnership between the UK and Nigeria. We stand with Nigeria in the continued fight against violent extremist organisations in the Northeast.”

He noted that the equipment handed over complements a new and significant package of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) courses provided by the UK Defense.

“We’re working with our Nigerian counterparts to develop intelligence on the terror networks that are killing civilians and soldiers with IEDs,” Leach added.

The Deputy Commander explained that the IED identification and detonation equipment will also support the Nigerian military’s efforts to fight terrorism in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. Additionally, he mentioned that a team of 20 personnel from the British Army is currently working in Maiduguri to deliver the course.

“The courses on IEDs will focus on the critical skills needed in fighting terrorism in the affected region,” Leach said.

While receiving the military equipment, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj-Gen Wahidi Shaibu, expressed gratitude to the British military for its support in ending the insurgency in the affected states.

He noted that the IED courses and donated equipment will enhance the training of soldiers, increasing their capacity and facilitating free movement in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.