In a historic high-level visit to the frontlines of the North East, the Defence Attachés of the United Kingdom and Germany have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and insurgency.
On Wednesday, February 18, Brigadier Tom Harper (UK) and Colonel Boris Bovecamp (Germany) arrived at the Headquarters of the Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), to strengthen international military ties and explore new avenues for strategic cooperation.
Brigadier General Tom Harper emphasised the strong mutual respect and enduring security relationship between the UK and Nigeria. He pointed to a shared foundation in democracy, human rights, and the rule of law as the bedrock of their partnership. While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sustained efforts in reclaiming the North East, Harper confirmed that the British Military Advisory Team (BMATT) would continue to provide critical training support to enhance the proficiency of Nigerian troops.
Representing Germany, Colonel Boris Bovecamp signalled a shift toward broader regional cooperation. He noted that his visit aimed to identify specific gaps where German expertise could make the most impact. His focus remains on capacity building for long-term stability and the development of regional cooperation arrangements to streamline cross-border security. He further expressed interest in enhancing operational effectiveness to ensure the final defeat of insurgent elements.
Responding to the international delegation, the Theatre Commander of OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the contributions from the UK and Germany as significant. He credited previous training initiatives with directly improving the skills of troops facing modern, evolving security threats.
Looking ahead, Major General Abubakar outlined a roadmap for future collaboration, specifically requesting technical expertise to counter sophisticated insurgent tactics along with improved logistics and equipment support to maintain the momentum of Operation HADIN KAI.
The visit concluded with a formal exchange of souvenirs and the signing of the visitors’ register, symbolising a unified front against global terrorism. #https://securitynewsalert.com/wp-admin
