UK offers military base, air defense support to strengthen ties with Nigeria
The United Kingdom has proposed supporting Nigeria with air defense systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and enhanced military intelligence capabilities to deepen its strategic defense partnership with the Nigerian Army. British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Tom Harper, shared these plans during a visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at Army Headquarters, Abuja. Harper also highlighted proposed UK support for establishing a reference Forward Operating Base within a cantonment environment and expanding tactical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities to brigade level. Discussions included potential transfers of protected mobility vehicles and specialized ammunition support. These measures are part of the UK's commitment under the Security and Defence Partnership to strengthen Nigeria's operational and institutional capacity. Harper also disclosed plans to expand regional train-the-trainer programs covering combat tactical drills, casualty care, and advanced patrolling, with future Operation HADIN KAI training cohorts to include personnel from Niger, Cameroon, and Chad alongside Nigerian troops to promote interoperability and strengthen collective regional capacity against shared security threats. Lieutenant General Shaibu stated that the deepening partnership is critical to building a more adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of responding to evolving national and regional security threats. He ident
