Nigerian Army, UK deepen defence cooperation on intelligence, training
The Nigerian Army and the United Kingdom are set to deepen defence cooperation in intelligence, specialised training, technology and operational capabilities as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s response to emerging security threats.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, stated this on Tuesday when he received the British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Tom Harper, on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Shaibu said sustained cooperation with trusted international partners remained critical to the Army’s efforts to build a more adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
“Sustained engagement with trusted international partners remains essential to accelerating the transformation drive of the Nigerian Army, particularly in the areas of capability development, professional military education, technology integration and the adoption of contemporary approaches to countering asymmetric threats,” he said.
The Army chief identified asymmetric warfare and operations in difficult terrain, particularly in the North-East, as major operational challenges.
He said the challenges required improved intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, technical intelligence, aviation capabilities and round-the-clock awareness of the operational environment down to the battalion level.
Shaibu also pointed to the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, saying the development would require increased investment in advanced training, instructor development and Special Forces capabilities.
He said the Army was also strengthening training at the Doma facility and institutionalising lessons from previous operations as part of efforts to improve operational effectiveness.
