The Defence Attachés of the United Kingdom and Germany to Nigeria, Brigadier Tom Harper and Colonel Boris Bovecamp, have reaffirmed their countries’ continued support and collaboration in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. The assurance was given during their visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri on Wednesday, February 18.
Brigadier Tom Harper, the United Kingdom’s Defence Attaché, highlighted the strong and enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, built on mutual respect and shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sustained efforts in combating terrorism in the North-East, particularly under Operation HADIN KAI, and reiterated the UK’s commitment to expanding training support through the British Military Advisory and Training Team.
Similarly, the German Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Boris Bovecamp, stated that his visit was aimed at exploring additional areas of collaboration, especially in capacity building and regional cooperation. He emphasized Germany’s interest in supporting initiatives that would enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen joint efforts to defeat terrorism.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander of OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, commended the valuable contributions of both the UK and German Defence Attachés to ongoing counter-insurgency operations. He noted that various training programmes have significantly improved troops’ skills and operational readiness in addressing evolving security threats. He also identified future areas of cooperation, including technical expertise, equipment provision, and logistics support.
The visit concluded with the signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of souvenirs, and a group photograph to mark the occasion.