Nigeria Deepens Security Ties with UK, Germany Over Counter-Terrorism Fight

Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign in the North East received renewed international backing on Wednesday as the Defence Attachés of the United Kingdom and Germany visited the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri, pledging sustained military cooperation and support.

Brigadier Tom Harper of the United Kingdom and Colonel Boris Bovecamp of Germany gave the assurance during their visit to the theatre command, where they engaged with military leadership on ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency.

Harper highlighted the longstanding relationship between the UK and Nigeria, describing it as one anchored on shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their resilience in tackling terrorism in the region and reiterated the UK’s commitment to enhancing training support through the British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT).

In a similar vein, Bovecamp said Germany remains interested in expanding collaboration with Nigeria, particularly in capacity building and regional cooperation initiatives aimed at improving operational effectiveness in the fight against insurgency.

The Theatre Commander of OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed appreciation for the support received from both countries, noting that existing training partnerships have strengthened troop capability and responsiveness to evolving security challenges.

He also identified technical expertise, equipment support, and logistics as areas for further collaboration.

The visit ended with the signing of the visitors’ register, exchange of souvenirs, and a group photograph.