Nigeria, UK Deepen Military Partnership on Intelligence, Technology, Training
The Nigerian Army and the United Kingdom have moved to deepen strategic defence cooperation, with a focus on strengthening operational capabilities, intelligence, specialised training and technology to address evolving security threats in Nigeria and the wider region.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, when he received the British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Tom Harper, MBE, on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Shaibu said sustained engagement with trusted international partners was critical to the Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation efforts and the development of a more adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
He identified capability development, professional military education, technology integration, intelligence gathering and contemporary approaches to asymmetric warfare as key areas requiring strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and the UK.
The Army Chief particularly identified operations in dense and difficult terrain, especially in the North-East, as a major operational challenge requiring enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), technical intelligence, aviation capability and round-the-clock situational awareness down to the battalion level.
He also highlighted the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, noting that the growth would require corresponding investments in advanced training, instructor development and Special Forces capabilities.
According to him, the Army is also seeking to enhance capacity at the Doma training facility while institutionalising operational lessons and preserving military heritage through the integration of historic campaigns, including the Longest Advance, into command curricula.
Shaibu further disclosed efforts to digitise military archives as part of measures to preserve institutional knowledge and strengthen professional military education.
Responding, Brigadier Harper reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria under the Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), particularly in strengthening the operational and institutional capacity of the Nigerian Army.
Harper said the UK planned to expand regional train-the-trainer programmes covering combat tactical drills, casualty care and advanced patrolling.
He added that future Operation Hadin Kai training cohorts were expected to include military personnel from Niger, Cameroon and Chad alongside Nigerian troops, describing the initiative as an avenue to improve interoperability and strengthen collective regional capacity against common security threats.
The British Defence Adviser also outlined proposed UK support for the establishment of a reference Forward Operating Base within a cantonment environment, as well as the provision of counter-unmanned aerial systems and the expansion of tactical ISR capabilities to brigade level.
The discussions also covered defence procurement and capability development, including air defence systems, possible transfers of protected mobility vehicles and specialised ammunition support.
The engagements, the Army said, underscore the broader Nigeria-UK defence partnership aimed at improving the Nigerian Army’s capacity to anticipate, deter and respond decisively to emerging national and regional security threats.
By TimesNG