In a bid to support the ongoing fight against insurgency in the country, the Nigerian Armed Forces have received a Counter Insurgency (COIN) training facility from the UK government.
This is to help enhance the reality of their training and better prepare the force for its future operations.
Speaking on the support, the UK Mission in Nigeria, said the initiative was funded by the UK through its Ministry of Defence and built by a team of Royal Engineers from the British Army working alongside Nigerian Army Engineers.
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by Major General SG Mohammed, launched the training facility in Ogun State, alongside the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter, and Brigadier Martin Leach from the UK’s Ministry of Defence.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter said that the UK has deep interests in Nigeria’s development, security, and stability.
He said the two countries have enjoyed a long-standing security and defence relationship, underpinned by a shared desire to support regional and international peace and security.
Baxter added that the UK has provided substantial security and development support to Nigeria including capacity building assistance, training facilities and equipment.