The United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Defense, Lord Vernon Coaker, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its battle against terrorism.
During his visit to the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State, Coaker addressed troops and officials of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), led by Major General Waidi Shaibu.
He noted that terrorism undermines the rule of law, international borders, and global peace, emphasizing the need for unity between Nigeria and the UK in combating this common threat.
“Nigeria and the United Kingdom should continue to stand together as strongly as they have done now and in the past,” Coaker said, underscoring the longstanding alliance between the two nations.
Coaker highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which have been devastating for both military personnel and civilians.
“The indiscriminate use of IEDs by terrorists, not only against members of the Nigerian military but also its consequences for civilians,” he warned, stressing the necessity of collaboration on counter-IED strategies.
He praised the joint efforts of the British and Nigerian militaries, saying, “We’ll provide you training by working with you. It’s not only you learning from us, but we learn from you.”
Coaker added that the UK’s training programs for Nigerian forces, particularly in counter-insurgency and counter-IED operations, were aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to restore peace and stability in the insurgency-affected Northeast region.
Major General Shaibu, in response, expressed gratitude for the UK’s unwavering support. He noted that the mandate of Operation Hadin Kai is to restore normalcy in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, facilitating socio-economic recovery and enabling displaced persons to return home.
Shaibu stated that military training cooperation with the UK remains a critical part of these efforts, explaining that OPHK personnel undergo constant training in counter-insurgency tactics, counter-IED operations, and tactical coordination. He added that these initiatives aim to provide troops with the necessary skills to achieve success in the field and re-establish peace in the region.
