The Nigerian Army and the United Kingdom are set to deepen their strategic defence partnership as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to evolving security threats.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made this known 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.
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Shaibu said sustained cooperation with international partners remained important to the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to improve operational effectiveness, intelligence capabilities, specialised training, force protection and institutional capacity.
He identified asymmetric warfare and operations in difficult terrain, particularly in the North-East, as major operational challenges requiring stronger intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, technical intelligence, aviation support and continuous situational awareness.
The COAS also noted that the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions would require corresponding investments in advanced training, instructor development and Special Forces capabilities.
He said the Army was also working to preserve operational lessons and military heritage through the integration of historical campaigns into command curricula and the digitisation of military archives.
In response, Brigadier Harper reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria under the Security and Defence Partnership (SDP).
He said the UK planned to expand regional train-the-trainer programmes covering combat tactical drills, casualty care and advanced patrolling.
According to him, future Operation HADIN KAI training cohorts could include military personnel from Niger, Cameroon and Chad alongside Nigerian troops, with the aim of improving interoperability and regional capacity to respond to shared security threats.
Harper also highlighted proposed UK support for the establishment of a reference Forward Operating Base, counter-unmanned aerial systems and expanded tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities at brigade level.
The discussions also covered defence procurement and capability development, including air defence systems, potential transfers of protected mobility vehicles and specialised ammunition support.
The engagements form part of broader efforts by Nigeria and the UK to strengthen military capabilities, improve joint operational readiness and enhance the Nigerian Army’s capacity to address emerging security challenges.
