The Nigerian Army and the United Kingdom have moved to deepen their strategic defence partnership, with renewed focus on intelligence, specialised training, technology, force protection and regional cooperation to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to evolving security threats.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, stated this on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, when he received the British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Tom Harper, MBE, on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Shaibu said sustained engagement with trusted international partners remained critical to the Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation into a more adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
According to him, the partnership with the UK would support efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, intelligence capabilities, professional military education, specialised training, technology integration and institutional capacity.
The COAS identified asymmetric warfare and operations in difficult terrain, particularly in the North-East, as major operational challenges requiring stronger intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, technical intelligence, aviation support and round-the-clock domain awareness down to the battalion level.
He also highlighted the recent expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, noting that the development would require corresponding investments in advanced training, instructor development and Special Forces capabilities.
Shaibu specifically pointed to the need to enhance capacity at the Doma training facility while also strengthening the institutionalisation of operational lessons and preservation of military heritage.
He said historic campaigns, including the Longest Advance, would be integrated into command curricula, while efforts were underway to digitise military archives.
Responding, Brigadier Harper reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria under the Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), particularly in strengthening operational and institutional capacity.
Harper disclosed plans to expand regional train-the-trainer programmes covering combat tactical drills, casualty care and advanced patrolling.
He added that future Operation HADIN KAI training cohorts could include troops from Niger, Cameroon and Chad alongside Nigerian personnel, a development expected to enhance interoperability and strengthen regional capacity to confront shared security threats.
The British Defence Adviser also highlighted proposed UK support for the establishment of a reference Forward Operating Base within a cantonment environment, as well as the provision of counter-unmanned aerial systems and expansion of tactical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities to brigade level.
Discussions also covered defence procurement and capability development, including air defence systems, possible transfers of protected mobility vehicles and specialised ammunition support.
The engagements, the Army said, underscored the broader Nigeria-UK defence partnership aimed at equipping the Nigerian Army with the capabilities required to anticipate, deter and decisively respond to emerging security threats in Nigeria and the wider region.
The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international defence cooperation and enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness in line with contemporary security realities.
