UK donates counter-insurgency training facility to Nigeria

The United Kingdom has donated a cutting-edge counter-insurgency training facility to the Nigerian Armed Forces in a significant boost to Nigeria’s military capabilities.

The facility, located in Ogun State, was officially handed over on Tuesday in a ceremony attended by top military officials from both countries as contained in a statement from the British High Commission in Nigeria.

The UK Ministry of Defence funded the construction of the facility, which was built by a team of Royal Engineers from the British Army in collaboration with Nigerian Army Engineers.

The new training centre is designed to enhance the realism of military exercises, ensuring that Nigerian soldiers are better prepared for the challenges of modern warfare and future deployments.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter pointed out the deep and long-standing security relationship between the UK and Nigeria.

“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,” Baxter said.

He further emphasised the UK’s ongoing commitment to Nigeria, noting that the British government provides substantial security and development assistance, including training facilities and equipment.

“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,” Baxter added.

The Deputy High Commissioner also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Nigerian soldiers in their efforts to bring peace and stability to the region, reaffirming the UK’s dedication to supporting Nigeria in its fight against insurgency.

The new COIN training facility is expected to play a crucial role in preparing Nigerian troops for counter-insurgency operations, bolstering their ability to respond effectively to security threats across the region.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Gombe, on Tuesday, announced its intention to conduct a second scheduled range classification exercise from Wednesday to Friday.

A statement by the Assistant Director Army Public Relations 301 Arty Regiment (General Support) Gombe State, Capt. M. Attah, said the exercise would be conducted at the small arms range in Malate-Liji, Yalmatu-Deba, to improve officer’s and men’s arms handling.

“The aim is to improve the weapon handling capacity of its personnel. As a precautionary measure, residents in the Malete – Liji Range area are kindly urged not to panic on hearing sounds of weapons fired and to equally keep off the area within the stated period,” Attah said.