The Nigerian Army and the United Kingdom are deepening their strategic defence partnership, with cooperation focused on intelligence, specialised training, technology, force protection and equipment to help Nigerian troops respond more effectively to evolving security threats.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, made this known on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, when he received the British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brig. Tom Harper, MBE, at Army Headquarters in Abuja. Shaibu said sustained cooperation with trusted international partners is important to building a more adaptable, combat-ready and resilient Army.
The Army Chief identified asymmetric warfare and difficult terrain, particularly in the North-East, as major operational challenges. He said stronger intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, technical intelligence, aviation capabilities and round-the-clock awareness down to battalion level are needed to improve operations.
Shaibu also highlighted the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, saying the growth must be matched with advanced training, instructor development and stronger Special Forces capabilities. He also pointed to plans to improve the Doma training facility, preserve lessons from past military campaigns in command training and digitise military archives.
Harper said the UK would continue supporting Nigeria under the Security and Defence Partnership, including expanded regional train-the-trainer programmes covering combat drills, casualty care and advanced patrolling.
The discussions also covered proposed UK support for a reference Forward Operating Base, counter-drone systems and expanded tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to brigade level. Defence procurement was also discussed, including air defence systems, possible transfers of protected mobility vehicles and specialised ammunition support.
Daily trust
