The UK government has donated a Counter Insurgency (COIN) training facility to the Nigerian Armed Forces to enhance the realism of their training and better equip the forces for future operations.
According to the UK Mission in Nigeria, the facility was funded by the UK Ministry of Defence and constructed by a team of Royal Engineers from the British Army in collaboration with Nigerian Army Engineers. The training center aims to provide soldiers with more realistic scenarios to better prepare them for effective operations during deployments.
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by Major General SG Mohammed, officially inaugurated the facility today in Ogun State. The event was also attended by 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.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter said that,
“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 Nigeria Armed Forces seeks to build capacity to address the root causes of insurgency and insecurity and support institutional modernisation and transformation.”
He also stated that, “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.”
The Deputy High Commissioner also acknowledged the substantial sacrifices made by Nigerian soldiers in collaboration with their counterparts to achieve peace and security in the region.
