By HAMZA SULEIMAN

The UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker, has reaffirmed the longstanding defence partnership between his country and Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and counter insurgency operation in the North-East.

Coaker, who is on a working visit to Nigeria, stated this at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

The minister accompanied by other senior officials of the UK government, highlighted the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations to address security challenges.

?The presence of the Honour Guard was a moving experience, symbolising the respect and partnership between the Nigerian and British militaries.

?His Majesty?s Government recognises Nigeria as a key ally and a leader in West Africa. Together, we stand for democracy, human rights and the rule of law,? Coaker said.

The minister reiterated the UK government commitment to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and shared impact of global security challenges.

?Your conflict is our conflict and your security is our security. The work you are doing to combat terrorism, particularly through initiatives like Operation Hadin Kai, is commendable.

?We are proud to provide training, expertise and equipment to support your efforts,? he said.

Lord Coaker listed the UK?s contributions to Nigeria?s counter-insurgency operations to include counter improvised explosive devices training, provision of equipment, and mentorship for the establishment of the Counter-IED Coordination Cell in the North-East.

Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Theatre Commander of the OPHK, commended the UK for its sustained support in combating insurgency in the region.

He described the visit as a testament to the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and the UK.

?It gives me great pleasure to welcome Lord Vernon Coaker and his distinguished entourage to Maiduguri, the ?Home of Peace,? which also hosts the Headquarters of JTF (NE) OPHK.

?This visit validates the strong partnership between our nations?.

Shaibu said the mandate of the task force was to restore normalcy to the region, provide enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive, as well as resettlement of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

He noted that the fulfilment of the task force mandate required not only material resources but also regular training and retraining of troops to keep them updated on evolving security challenges.

The commander lauded the establishment of the Counter-IED Coordination Cell, supported by the UK, which became a hub for intelligence gathering and dismantling insurgent IED networks.

?This hub, equipped with detection tools, laptops, tactical intelligence kits, and other resources, has been vital in detecting, neutralising, and disarming IEDs effectively,? he said.

Shaibu also commended the Instructor Development Programme being implemented in collaboration with BDS-WA, to fast track training of personnel from Nigeria and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

?The programme fosters synergy and camaraderie among troops from the Lake Chad Basin countries, strengthening regional cooperation,? he said, adding that the UK government?s timely and relevant support were imperative towards achieving the task force mandate. (NAN)

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