The Nigerian Armed Forces have received non-lethal military equipment worth about N1 billion (£450,000) from the United Kingdom to strengthen operations against violent extremist groups in the North East.
During the official handover in Maiduguri, the equipment was presented to Major General Wahidi Shaibu, Commander of the Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE). The donated tools are designed to enhance the military’s counter-insurgency efforts without the use of lethal force.
In addition to the equipment, the UK is providing specialised training courses tailored to Nigeria’s security needs.
A team of 20 British Army personnel is currently leading a training programme in Maiduguri, focusing on critical operational skills.
The UK has also committed to conducting seven more courses by February 2025, helping the Nigerian military develop advanced capabilities for long-term security operations.
Colonel Martin Leach, Deputy Head of British Defence Staff (West Africa), emphasised the importance of the partnership.
“The UK stands with Nigeria in the fight against violent extremist organisations in the North East,” he said.
The UK team is also working within the Counter-IED Coordination Cell in Maiduguri, helping Nigerian forces gather intelligence on terrorist networks that use improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The goal is to reduce IED attacks and improve safety in the region.
This support comes as China pledges $50 billion in financial aid and increased military cooperation with African countries, including Nigeria, over the next three years.
The Chinese commitment includes military and food assistance, with $140 million allocated for defence, marking the largest such pledge to date at the China-Africa Forum.