UK’s Minister for Defence Visit to North East reaffirms commitment to Nigeria’s counter terrorism efforts
By Zagazola Makama
On January 22, 2025, a significant diplomatic event unfolded as Lord Vernon Coaker, the Minister of State for Defence in the United Kingdom, visited Nigeria's Joint Task Force (NE) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) headquarters in Maiduguri.
This visit symbolized the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the UK, particularly in the context of military cooperation and counter-insurgency efforts in the Northeast region of Nigeria.
Upon arrival, Lord Coaker expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, highlighting the profound respect shared between the British and Nigerian militaries. This camaraderie, he emphasized, is vital for addressing shared global security challenges.
The visit reinforced the UK government's recognition of Nigeria as a crucial ally, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in upholding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
During his address, Lord Coaker acknowledged the significant strides made by the Nigerian military in combating terrorism, particularly through the efforts of the Joint Task Force (NE). He commended the successful operations against insurgents and the ongoing training initiatives designed to equip Nigerian troops with the necessary skills to tackle evolving security threats.
The Minister reiterated the UK's commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, particularly through training programs and the provision of Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment.
Major General Waidi Shaibu, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (NE), welcomed Lord Coaker and his delegation, emphasizing the long-standing cordial relationship between Nigeria and the UK.
He articulated the mandate of the JTF (NE) OPHK, which not only focuses on defeating insurgency but also on restoring normalcy to enable socio-economic activities to thrive in the region. The General highlighted the importance of military training cooperation, noting the contributions made by the British Defence Staff - West Africa (BDS-WA) in enhancing the capabilities of Nigerian troops through various training programs.
A pivotal aspect of the collaboration is the establishment of a Counter IED Coordination Cell, which serves as a hub for gathering intelligence on improvised explosive devices used by insurgents. This initiative, alongside the Instructor Development Programme, aims to train military instructors who can subsequently train their peers, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and enhancing operational efficiency across the region.
The visit also underscored the significance of military diplomacy in fostering bilateral and regional relationships, with both nations recognizing the need to tackle security challenges collectively.
The partnership between Nigeria and the UK is seen not only as a tactical alliance but as a commitment to uphold shared values and ensure the safety and security of their populations.
As the visit concluded, both Lord Coaker and Major General Shaibu expressed optimism about the future of their collaboration. They reaffirmed their dedication to working together to combat terrorism and restore peace and stability in the region. This visit marks a crucial step in reinforcing the strong ties between Nigeria and the UK, paving the way for continued cooperation in addressing the pressing security challenges facing both nations.
