The United Kingdom (UK) has donated a State-Of-The-Art Counter Insurgency (COIN) Training Facility to the Nigerian Armed Forces, in order to enhance the effectiveness of their training and better prepare the military for future operations.
The UK Mission in Nigeria announced that the training 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 facility is designed to create a more realistic training environment, equipping soldiers with the skills needed for effective deployment.
The training center was officially inaugurated in Ogun State by Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who was represented by Major General SG Mohammed. The ceremony was also attended by British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter, and Brigadier Martin Leach from the UK’s Ministry of Defence. Attendees were treated to a demonstration operation conducted by the Nigerian Armed Forces, followed by a briefing on the training display.
During the handover ceremony, Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter highlighted the UK’s commitment to Nigeria’s development, security, and stability. He emphasized the long-standing security and defence relationship between the two nations, rooted in a mutual goal of supporting regional and international peace and security.
“Our work with the Nigerian Armed Forces aims to build capacity to address the root causes of insurgency and insecurity and support institutional modernization and transformation,” Baxter stated.
He also noted the UK’s extensive support to Nigeria, which includes capacity-building assistance, training facilities, and equipment. “The British Government will continue to collaborate with Nigeria to tackle the drivers of conflict, with the hope that these engagements will lead to improved security, stability, and enhanced growth partnerships for the benefit of both our countries,” Baxter added.
The Deputy High Commissioner also paid tribute to the significant sacrifices made by Nigerian soldiers in their efforts to work alongside their counterparts to bring peace and security to the region.