UK Proposes Air Defence, Military Base Support for Nigeria

The United Kingdom is seeking to deepen its defence and security cooperation with Nigeria through a package of proposed military support that includes air defence systems, counter-drone technology, intelligence capabilities and assistance with the development of a forward operating base.

British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Tom Harper, outlined the proposals on Tuesday during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja.

According to the Nigerian Army, the proposed assistance is designed to strengthen the country’s operational capabilities under the existing UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership.

Among the areas identified for British support are air defence systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems and improved military intelligence capabilities. The UK is also considering assistance for the establishment of a reference Forward Operating Base within a cantonment environment.

The proposed partnership would further expand Nigeria’s tactical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities to brigade level, while potential transfers of protected mobility vehicles and specialised ammunition are also being discussed.

Harper said the UK also plans to broaden regional train-the-trainer programmes for Nigerian forces. The programmes are expected to focus on combat tactical drills, casualty care and advanced patrolling.

Future training under Operation HADIN KAI could also bring together military personnel from Niger, Cameroon and Chad alongside Nigerian troops. The initiative is intended to improve interoperability and strengthen the ability of regional forces to respond collectively to shared security threats.

Speaking during the meeting, Shaibu described the expanding relationship with the UK as important to the Nigerian Army’s efforts to build a more adaptable and resilient fighting force.

He said the partnership would contribute to improvements in operational effectiveness, force protection, intelligence, specialised training and institutional development.

The Army chief also pointed to the challenges posed by asymmetric warfare and difficult terrain, particularly in northeastern Nigeria. He said the military needed stronger intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, technical intelligence, aviation capabilities and continuous situational awareness extending to the battalion level.

Shaibu noted that the Nigerian Army’s expansion from eight to 12 divisions had created a corresponding need for greater investment in advanced training, instructor development and Special Forces capabilities. He specifically highlighted the importance of strengthening facilities and training programmes at the Doma training facility.

The Chief of Army Staff also called for continued cooperation with trusted international partners to accelerate the Army’s transformation through improved capability development, professional military education and the integration of new technologies.

Beyond operational capabilities, he stressed the importance of preserving institutional knowledge and military heritage. This includes incorporating lessons from historic campaigns, such as the Longest Advance, into command training and digitising military archives.

The Nigerian Army said the discussions with the British delegation form part of a wider effort to strengthen its ability to anticipate, deter and respond decisively to emerging security threats in Nigeria and across the region.