The United Kingdom’s Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Sir Charlie Collins, has visited Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as part of efforts to strengthen defence collaboration between the UK and Nigeria.
The visit, confirmed by the British Defence Staff West Africa through its official X account on Tuesday, focused on assessing ongoing military cooperation and exploring ways to enhance joint security initiatives aimed at promoting stability across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
According to the statement, the visit reflects the UK’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to tackle terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats.
“Welcome to Nigeria, Lt Gen Sir Charlie Collins KBE DSO, UK Deputy CDS (MSO). In Maiduguri with @HQNigerianArmy colleagues, seeing UK-Nigeria defence cooperation first-hand and supporting Nigeria-led efforts to strengthen security and regional stability,” the post stated.
During his visit, Collins was accorded full military honours, including a ceremonial guard mounted by personnel of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri.
Images released from the event showed senior British and Nigerian military officials exchanging handshakes, participating in security briefings, and presenting commemorative plaques to one another as a symbol of the growing defence partnership between both countries.
The visit comes as Nigeria continues to strengthen cooperation with international and regional partners in response to ongoing security challenges, particularly the activities of insurgent groups and armed bandits operating in parts of the North-East and other regions of the country.
Military observers say engagements such as Collins’ visit provide opportunities for both nations to review existing defence programmes, improve operational collaboration, and reinforce efforts aimed at enhancing regional peace and security.
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