The United Kingdom and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts following a high-level visit to the Headquarters of the Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
On Wednesday, February 18, Brigadier Tom Harper, the UK Defence Attaché, and Colonel Boris Bovecamp, the German Defence Attaché, met with military leadership in Maiduguri to discuss deepening security collaboration and regional stability.
Strengthening Military Ties
Brigadier General Tom Harper emphasized the “enduring relationship” between Nigeria and the UK, citing a shared commitment to democracy and human rights. He specifically lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their progress in the North East and pledged continued training assistance through the British Military Advisory Team (BMATT).
Similarly, Colonel Boris Bovecamp noted that his visit aimed to identify fresh avenues for German intervention. His focus remained on:
- Capacity building for Nigerian troops.
- Regional cooperation frameworks to streamline counter-terrorism operations.
- Operational effectiveness enhancements.
Theatre Command Response
Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Theatre Commander of OPHK, welcomed the diplomats, noting that international training initiatives have already led to a visible increase in troop proficiency against evolving security threats.
Abubakar identified three key pillars for future cooperation:
- Technical Expertise: Sharing advanced tactical knowledge.
- Logistics Support: Streamlining supply chains for frontline operations.
- Equipment: Modernizing the hardware available to the Joint Task Force.
The visit concluded with a formal signing of the visitors’ register and an exchange of souvenirs, signaling a continued united front against insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin.
