UK Boosts  Army’s Counter-Insurgency Capabilities with Training Facility

UK Boosts  Army’s Counter-Insurgency Capabilities with Training Facility

The United Kingdom government has handed over a cutting-edge Counter Insurgency (COIN) training facility to the Nigerian Armed Forces to enhance their operational readiness and effectiveness.

A statement by the UK High Commission in Nigeria, said the facility was funded by the UK Ministry of Defence and constructed through a collaborative effort between Royal Engineers from the British Army and Nigerian Army engineers.

The statement said the advanced training hub is designed to simulate real-world scenarios, providing Nigerian soldiers with immersive and realistic training experiences.

 Major General S. G. Mohammed,  represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, officially opened the training facility on Tuesday in Ogun State, alongside the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr Jonny Baxter, and Brigadier Martin Leach from the UK’s Ministry of Defence.

Attendees also saw firsthand, a demonstration operation conducted by Nigerian Armed Forces. The Deputy High Commissioner was subsequently briefed on the training display.

In his remarks, Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Baxter said, “The UK has deep interests in Nigeria’s development, security and stability.

“We enjoy a long-standing security and defence relationship, underpinned by a shared desire to support regional and international peace and security.

“Our work with the Nigerian Armed Forces seeks to build capacity to address the root causes of insurgency and insecurity and support institutional modernisation and transformation.

“We provide substantial security and development support to Nigeria including capacity-building assistance, training facilities and equipment.

“The British Government will continue to work with Nigeria to respond to the drivers of conflict – and all these engagements we hope, will lead to better security, stability and enhanced growth partnerships for the good of both our countries.”