In response to persistent threats to regional security from terrorist organizations and violent extremism, the United Kingdom and Nigeria have stepped up their cooperation to strengthen Nigeria's counter-terrorism capacities. Defense collaboration spanning decades and current strategic conversations to address changing security challenges form the basis of this alliance.
During his recent tour to Nigeria, which included stops in Abuja and Maiduguri, Lord Vernon Coaker, the UK's House of Lords Minister for Defence, spoke with senior Nigerian security and defense officials. With his visit, the British government reaffirmed its support for Nigeria's long-running Security and Defence Partnership (SDP). Security, fighting violent extremism, and fostering regional stability in West Africa are the primary goals of the collaboration.
While in Nigeria, Lord Coaker met with the defense minister, national security adviser, and other high-ranking military officials, as well as the president of ECOWAS. The talks brought to light Nigeria's position as a regional security leader and the fact that the UK backs Nigeria's top security priorities.
The trip included a stop in Borno State's capital city of Maiduguri, which has been the epicenter of Nigeria's battle against terrorist organizations like Boko Haram. Lord Coaker visited a Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) camp and watched UK-funded counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) training programs. Capacity building and improved reaction skills to security threats are the goals of these efforts, which Nigeria requested.
Aviation security is another area where the collaboration is active. The UK Government and Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) have partnered to minimize aviation-related concerns, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) by terrorists to disrupt socio-economic operations. A workshop on Counter Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) was established to address these issues, highlighting the necessity for inter-agency and international collaboration.
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has reaffirmed the significance of improving bilateral ties with the UK to fight insurgency, especially Boko Haram. He stressed the necessity for continuing assistance from Western countries, particularly capacity development, technology transfer, and providing modern equipment to the Nigerian military. The UK Minister for Armed Forces, Mr. James Heappey, underlined the UK’s resolve to enhance assistance based on Nigeria’s increasing security requirements.
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), created in 2023 under the Office of the National Security Adviser, plays a major role in coordinating Nigeria’s counter-terrorism actions. The NCTC blends information sharing, research, and multi-stakeholder cooperation to fight terrorism and violent extremism. Since its founding, the Centre has contributed to notable successes, including the surrender of over 120,000 former fighters and the reclaiming of regions formerly held by terrorists.
The UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, conducted most recently in February 2024, reiterated agreements to increase collaboration in combatting terrorism and violent extremism. The relationship involves increasing civilian police standards, defending human rights, and boosting the role of women in security initiatives. UK experts are also aiding Nigeria’s community policing programs, enabling the Nigerian military to concentrate more on counter-terrorism operations.
In response to rising challenges, Nigeria’s counter-terrorism policy is undergoing a full assessment to confront the increased complexity of terrorist organizations. Terrorist groups are increasingly embracing modern technology such as encrypted communications, social media recruiting, and drones to boost their activities. The new plan intends to clarify the responsibilities of government institutions and increase collaboration to effectively tackle these shifting threats.
Despite progress, obstacles continue owing to ongoing poverty, political tensions, and poor government in certain parts, which terrorist organizations exploit. However, the improved relationship with the UK, enhanced training programs, and strategic conversations are key components of Nigeria’s continuing efforts to restore peace and security.
This relationship between Nigeria and the UK reflects a comprehensive and multi-faceted strategy for counter-terrorism, integrating military assistance, information sharing, capacity development, and regional cooperation. It demonstrates a common commitment to ensuring a safer Nigeria and a more secure West Africa, eventually contributing to global security.
This alliance is a key step in mitigating terrorism’s effect on Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and regional stability.
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