The United Kingdom has proposed a package of enhanced defence support for Nigeria, including air defence systems, counter-drone technology, military intelligence capabilities and assistance with the establishment of a forward operating base.
The proposals were disclosed on Tuesday by the British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Tom Harper, during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Harper said the proposed measures were aimed at deepening the strategic defence partnership between the United Kingdom and the Nigerian Army while strengthening Nigeria’s ability to respond to emerging security threats.
Among the areas of proposed assistance are the provision of air defence systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems and enhanced military intelligence capabilities.
The UK is also considering supporting the establishment of a reference Forward Operating Base within a cantonment environment, as well as expanding Nigeria’s tactical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities to brigade level.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the discussions also covered possible transfers of protected mobility vehicles and specialised ammunition.
The proposed support is being considered under the existing UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, which seeks to improve Nigeria’s operational effectiveness and institutional capacity in dealing with security challenges.
Harper further disclosed plans to expand regional train-the-trainer programmes focusing on combat tactical drills, casualty care and advanced patrolling.
Future Operation HADIN KAI training programmes are expected to involve troops from Niger, Cameroon and Chad alongside Nigerian personnel.
The initiative, according to the Army, is intended to improve interoperability among the participating forces and strengthen regional capacity to confront common security threats.
Speaking during the meeting, Shaibu described the growing defence partnership with the UK as important to the Nigerian Army’s efforts to build a more adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
He said Nigeria required stronger capabilities in force protection, intelligence gathering, specialised training and institutional development to effectively respond to changing security threats.
The Army chief identified asymmetric warfare and operations in difficult and densely populated terrain, particularly in the North-East, as major operational challenges.
He stressed the need for improved intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, technical intelligence, aviation capabilities and continuous domain awareness extending to the battalion level.
Shaibu also noted that the Nigerian Army had expanded from eight to 12 divisions, adding that the growth required corresponding investments in advanced training, instructor development and Special Forces capabilities.
He specifically highlighted the need to strengthen the capacity of the Doma training facility to support the Army’s evolving operational requirements.
The Chief of Army Staff further called for sustained cooperation with trusted international partners to accelerate the transformation of the Nigerian Army.
According to him, such partnerships would be particularly valuable in capability development, professional military education, technology integration and the adoption of modern approaches to tackling asymmetric threats.
Shaibu also emphasised the importance of preserving institutional knowledge and military heritage by incorporating historical campaigns, including the Longest Advance, into command training curricula and digitising military archives.
The Nigerian Army said the discussions with the British Defence Adviser reflected a broader effort to strengthen the force’s ability to anticipate, deter and respond decisively to emerging national and regional security threats.
The proposed UK assistance, if implemented, would further expand military cooperation between both countries, particularly in intelligence, air defence, counter-drone operations, tactical training, mobility and regional security coordination.
