By Miriam Humbe
There are indications that the United Kingdom and Germany may soon be joining the United States of America (USA) in supporting Nigeria’s Federal Government in the counter-insurgency fight.
Assurance from the United Kingdom and Germany were given by both countries’ military Attachés to Nigeria during their visit to the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State, North East Nigeria on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
With this support therefore, Nigeria seems to be gaining global support in the fight against insurgency and insecurity which bedeviled the nation for more than a decade.
During the visit, both Defence Attachés of the United Kingdom and Germany to Nigeria, Brigadier Tom Harper and Colonel Boris Bovecamp, reaffirmed their countries’ continued support and collaboration in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
In a statement signed on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer,
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lt Col Sani Uba, both military officers were warmly welcomed by the Theatre Commander of OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
Brigadier General Tom Harper highlighted the strong mutual respect and enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, emphasizing their shared commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and human rights.
He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces’ efforts in tackling terrorism in the North East region, particularly through Operation HADIN KAI, and expressed the UK’s commitment to providing further training support through the British Military Advisory Team (BMATT).
Similarly, the Defence Attaché of Germany to Nigeria, Colonel Boris Bovecamp said that he was in the Theatre to explore possible areas of future collaboration especially in the area of capacity building as well as possible interventions through regional cooperation arrangements to enhance operational effectiveness and collaboration to defeat terrorism.
The OPHK, Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, lauded the significant contributions of the UK and German Defence Attachés to counter-insurgency efforts.
General Abubakar said that training initiatives have enhanced troops’ skills and proficiency in responding to evolving security challenges in OPHK emphasizing the mutual benefit of the partnerships.
He highlighted areas of future collaboration to include technical expertise as well as equipment and logistics support.
The American government has increased its support to Nigeria’s Counter-insurgency fight with military co-operation between the two countries following the Christmas Day airstrikes launched by the US on two camps run by an Islamist militant group in North-West Nigeria.
Only recently, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja announced the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield.
In a statement, the DHQ’s Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba said that the deployment formed part of the deliberation during a working group engagement by Nigerian delegation and their US counterpart.
DHQ said that the arrival was planned and deliberate following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government to support a clearly defined military training requirement, technical support and intelligence sharing with the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The statement said: “The collaboration will provide access to specialized technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organizations that threaten the country’s sovereignty, national security and the safety of its citizens.
“The DHQ assures Nigerians of continued transparency and the provision of clear, accurate and timely information regarding the military cooperation efforts.”
