Terrorism: UK, Germany pledge deeper military support for Nigeria

United Kingdom and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, with senior defence officials from both countries visiting the headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri to deepen military collaboration.

The Defence Attaché of the United Kingdom to Nigeria, Brig.-Gen. Tom Harper, and his German counterpart, Col. Boris Bovecamp, gave the assurance during a visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.

In a statement issued Thursday by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the operation, the visit was described as historic and a demonstration of sustained international backing for Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts in the North East.

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According to the statement, the Defence Attachés “reaffirmed continued support and collaboration in the fight against terrorism and insurgency” during their engagement with troops and commanders in Maiduguri.

Harper underscored the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, pointing to shared values rooted in democracy, the rule of law and human rights. He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their resilience and operational gains against insurgents in the region.

He also pledged continued training assistance through the British Military Advisory and Training Team, noting that capacity-building remains central to strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism architecture.

Bovecamp, representing Germany, said his visit was aimed at identifying new areas of collaboration, particularly in capacity development and regional cooperation frameworks that could improve operational effectiveness.

He expressed optimism that enhanced technical cooperation and structured partnerships would further bolster efforts to defeat terrorism in the region.

Responding, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, praised the contributions of both countries to Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign.

He said previous training programmes and advisory support had significantly improved troops’ skills in addressing evolving security threats.

Abubakar highlighted the need for expanded cooperation in technical expertise, logistics and equipment support, stressing that sustained partnerships remain vital to consolidating gains made in the North East theatre.

The renewed commitments come amid ongoing military operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks and restoring stability across affected communities.