PICTORIAL: UK, German Defence Attaches Reaffirm Support To OPHK's Counter-insurgency

The Defence Attachés of the United Kingdom and Germany to Nigeria, Brigadier Tom Harper and Colonel Boris Bovecamp, respectively, have reaffirmed continued support and collaboration in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

The assurance came during their historic joint visit to the Headquarters of the Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday, February 18.

Brigadier General Tom Harper highlighted the strong mutual respect and enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, emphasising their shared commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and human rights. He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces’ efforts in tackling terrorism in the North-East region, particularly through Operation HADIN KAI, and expressed the UK’s commitment to providing further training support through the British Military Advisory Team (BMATT).

Equally, the Defence Attaché of Germany to Nigeria, Colonel Boris Bovecamp made his pronouncement, where he stated that he was in the Theatre to explore possible areas of future collaboration especially in the area of capacity building as well as possible interventions through regional cooperation arrangements to enhance operational effectiveness and collaboration to defeat terrorism.

In his remarks, the Theatre Commander of OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, lauded the significant contributions of the UK and German Defence Attachés to counter-insurgency efforts. He noted that training initiatives have enhanced troops’ skills and proficiency in responding to evolving security challenges in OPHK, emphasising the mutual benefit of the partnerships. He highlighted areas of future collaboration to include technical expertise as well as equipment and logistics support.

The visit concluded with the signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of souvenirs, and a group photograph.