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The UK has proposed supporting Nigeria with “air defence systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems and enhanced military intelligence capabilities” as part of plans to “deepen its strategic defence partnership with the Nigerian Army.”
Brigadier Tom Harper, the British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, disclosed this on Tuesday when he visited the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at Army Headquarters, Abuja. Harper also highlighted proposed UK support for the “establishment of a reference Forward Operating Base within a cantonment environment and the expansion of tactical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities to brigade level.”
The discussions further covered potential transfers of protected mobility vehicles and specialised ammunition support, according to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
The proposed measures form part of the United Kingdom’s continued commitment under the Security and Defence Partnership to strengthening Nigeria’s operational and institutional capacity.
The partnership, Harper said, aims to support Nigeria in building a more adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of responding effectively to evolving national and regional security threats.
The Chief of Army Staff said the partnership is critical to strengthening operational effectiveness, force protection, intelligence capabilities, specialised training and institutional capacity.
“Building a more adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of responding effectively to evolving national and regional security threats requires a robust partnership,” Shaibu said.
The partnership has been ongoing since 2016 and has seen significant progress, including the transfer of protected mobility vehicles and specialised ammunition support.
Future Operation HADIN KAI training cohorts are expected to include personnel from Niger, Cameroon and Chad alongside Nigerian troops. According to the statement, the initiative would promote interoperability and strengthen collective regional capacity against shared security threats.
The Chief of Army Staff highlighted the need for sustained engagement with trusted international partners to accelerate the Army’s transformation, particularly in capability development, professional military education, technology integration and the adoption of contemporary approaches to countering asymmetric threats.
He also underscored efforts to institutionalise operational lessons and preserve military heritage through the integration of historic campaigns, such as the Longest Advance, into command curricula and the digitisation of military archives.
The partnership is expected to continue until 2028, with the UK committing to provide support for the establishment of a reference Forward Operating Base within a cantonment environment and the expansion of tactical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities to brigade level.