UK Defence Adviser Pledges Continued Collaboration with Army War College
The Defence Adviser to the United Kingdom in Nigeria, Brigadier Thomos Harper, MBE, has reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening military cooperation with Nigeria.
Brigadier Harper’ disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) in Abuja on 30 April 2025.
Brigadier Harper’s visit centered on enhancing mutual understanding and identifying avenues for deeper collaboration in professional military education.
A statement by Major Hashimu Sa’ad Abdullahi, College Public Relations Officer said the engagement reflects ongoing efforts by both nations to foster enduring ties and address shared security challenges.
In his remarks, Brigadier Harper lauded AWCN for its impressive strides in developing operational-level leadership and its emerging status as a hub for strategic military thought.
“The UK remains steadfast in its support for Nigeria’s security objectives,” he said.
“We believe that through knowledge exchange, training support, and collaborative educational initiatives, we can build a more secure and stable region.”
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The visit also provided an opportunity to reflect on previous successes and outline future areas of cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism training, leadership development, and research.
Harper emphasized the importance of building institutions that are not only locally grounded but also globally informed.
Responding to the Defence Adviser’s remarks, the Commandant of AWCN, Major General Umar Mohammed Alkali, expressed gratitude for the UK’s sustained partnership with the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He highlighted the UK’s contributions to capacity building and defence education, noting their critical impact in counterinsurgency operations and operational readiness.
Reiterating his command philosophy — “To Consolidate AWCN as a Professional Military Education Centre of Excellence” — Major General Alkali emphasized the value of integrating international perspectives into the College’s curriculum. “Our mission to develop adaptive, forward-thinking military leaders depends heavily on such strategic partnerships,” he stated.
The Army War College Nigeria continues to position itself as a premier institution for professional military education in West Africa, committed to enhancing Nigeria’s national security through excellence in leadership training and international collaboration.
By PRNigeria
