Nigeria and the United Kingdom are deepening military cooperation, with both countries exploring expanded support in training, intelligence, technology and defence capabilities to strengthen Nigeria’s response to evolving security threats and promote regional security.
The development followed a meeting between the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and the British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Tom Harper, MBE, who paid a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
According to an official statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant General Shaibu said sustained engagement with trusted international partners remained critical to transforming the Nigerian Army into a more adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.
The COAS identified asymmetric warfare and operations in dense and difficult terrain, particularly in the North East, as significant operational challenges requiring enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, technical intelligence, aviation capability and round-the-clock domain awareness down to the battalion level.
He also highlighted the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, noting that the development would require corresponding investments in advanced training, instructor development and Special Forces capabilities, including enhanced capacity at the Doma training facility.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further underscored efforts to institutionalise operational lessons and preserve military heritage through the integration of historic campaigns, such as the Longest Advance, into command curricula and the digitisation of military archives.
In response, Brigadier Harper reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s continued commitment under the Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen operational and institutional capacity.
He disclosed plans to expand regional train-the-trainer programmes covering combat tactical drills, casualty care and advanced patrolling.
The British Defence Adviser said future Operation HADIN KAI training cohorts could include personnel from Niger, Cameroon and Chad alongside Nigerian troops, with the initiative expected to promote interoperability and strengthen collective regional capacity against shared security threats.
Harper also highlighted proposed UK support for the establishment of a reference Forward Operating Base within a cantonment environment, the provision of counter-unmanned aerial systems and the expansion of tactical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities to brigade level.
The discussions further covered defence procurement and capability development, including air defence systems, potential transfers of protected mobility vehicles and specialised ammunition support.
The expanded cooperation reflects the growing Nigeria-UK defence partnership, with both countries seeking to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational capabilities and enhance regional collaboration against terrorism, insurgency and other emerging security threats.
