UK hands over military equipment to Nigerian Army to fight terrorism
By Tada Juthan, Maiduguri
The British military has handed over technical and military equipment to the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF) to fight against violent extremist’ organisations in the Northeast.
The 450,000 British pounds (N960.8 million) of military equipment was also to enhance the ongoing partnership between the UK and Nigeria against terrorism.
Presenting the military equipment on Friday in Maiduguri, the Deputy Commander, British Defence Staff, West Africa, Col. Martin Leach, disclosed: “I am delighted to be here today to hand over this equipment and mark another development in the strong partnership between the UK and Nigeria.
“We stand with Nigeria in the continued fight against violent extremist organisations in the North East.”
He noted that the handed-over equipment complements a new and significant package of the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) courses provided by the UK Defence.
“We’re working with the Nigerian counterparts to develop intelligence on the terror networks that are killing civilians and soldiers with IEDs.”
The Deputy Commander said that the IEDs identification and detonation equipment will also support the Nigerian military in fighting terrorism in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
Additionally, Leach said the team of 20 personnel from the British Army is working in Maiduguri to deliver a course.
Explaining that, “The courses on IEDs will focus on the critical skills needed in fighting terrorism in the affected region.”
While receiving the military equipment, the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj-Gen Wahidi Shaibu, thanked the British military for the support of end insurgency in the affected states.
He said the IEDs courses and donated equipment will support the training of soldiers to increase their capacity and free movement in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
