U.K., Germany Pledge Support in Nigeria Counter-terror Fight

By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde

The defense attachés of the United Kingdom and Germany have reaffirmed their countries’ support for Nigeria’s counterinsurgency campaign during a visit to the headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI, the military task force leading operations against Islamist militants in the country’s northeast.

Brigadier Tom Harper, the British defense attaché to Nigeria, said the visit underscored the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, rooted in shared commitments to democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

He praised Nigerian forces for their efforts in combating insurgency in the region and said Britain would continue providing training support through the British Military Advisory and Training Team.

Col. Boris Bovecamp, Germany’s defense attaché, said his visit aimed to explore new avenues for cooperation, particularly in capacity building and regional security coordination. Strengthening operational effectiveness through technical collaboration and training, he said, remains central to efforts to curb extremist violence.

Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the theater commander of Operation HADIN KAI, welcomed the engagement, describing the partnerships as mutually beneficial.

He said foreign-backed training initiatives had improved troop readiness and adaptability in confronting evolving security threats, and he identified technical expertise, logistics and equipment support as areas for deeper collaboration.

The visit concluded with the signing of the visitors’ register, the exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph, according to a statement issued by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the task force’s media information officer.