UK Donates Counter Insurgency Training Facility to Nigerian Armed Forces

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 prepare them for future operations.

Funded by the UK Ministry of Defence, the facility was built by a team of Royal Engineers from the British Army in collaboration with Nigerian Army Engineers. It aims to provide more realistic training scenarios to better equip soldiers for deployments.

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by Major General SG Mohammed, officially opened the facility in Ogun State. The ceremony was attended by the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter, and Brigadier Martin Leach from the UK Ministry of Defence. Attendees observed a demonstration by the Nigerian Armed Forces, followed by a briefing for the Deputy High Commissioner.

During the handover, Mr. Baxter emphasized the UK’s commitment to Nigeria’s development, security, and stability, highlighting the two nations’ long-standing security and defense relationship. He noted that the UK provides substantial support, including capacity-building assistance, training facilities, and equipment, aimed at addressing the root causes of insurgency and insecurity.

Mr. Baxter also honored the sacrifices made by Nigerian soldiers in their efforts to bring peace and security to the region.