PICTORIAL: UK Deputy Defence Chief Visits Borno To Deepen Military Cooperation With Nigeria

The United Kingdom’s Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Sir Charlie Collins, has arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of efforts to  deepen defence cooperation between the UK and Nigeria.

The visit, announced by the British Defence Staff West Africa on Tuesday via its official X account, was aimed at assessing ongoing military collaboration and reinforcing support for Nigeria-led security initiatives.

According to the UK military, the engagement highlighted Britain’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency and other security threats while promoting regional stability across West Africa.

“Welcome to Nigeria, Lt Gen Sir Charlie Collins KBE DSO, UK Deputy CDS (MSO),” the British Defence Staff West Africa stated.

It added: “In Maiduguri with HQNigerianArmy colleagues, seeing UK-Nigeria defence cooperation first-hand and supporting Nigeria-led efforts to strengthen security and regional stability.”

Photographs released from the visit showed Lt Gen Collins receiving a military guard of honour and participating in ceremonial handshakes and plaque exchanges with senior Nigerian Army officers.

The visit  came amid ongoing efforts by Nigeria to strengthen transnational partnerships in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other security challenges, particularly in the country’s northern region.

Security cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom has expanded in recent years through training programmes, intelligence sharing and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving the operational effectiveness of Nigerian security forces.

Lt Gen Collins’ visit is expected to further consolidate the strategic defence relationship between both countries and provide an opportunity to review areas of mutual security interest.