BY: FAIZA JIBRIN.
The Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI have hosted Lord Ferdinand Coker, the United Kingdom's Minister of State for Defence in the House of Lords.
The visit aimed to strengthen Nigeria-UK defence collaboration, emphasizing their shared commitment to tackling regional security challenges.
Lord Coker praised the deep and enduring partnership between the UK and Nigeria, highlighting their mutual respect and cooperation.
'It's a great privilege to be here with the General. Nigeria and the UK have a very close relationship. We're partners and standing together to meet common objectives,' he said.
The minister commended the General and his troops for their efforts in addressing threats like Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
He acknowledged Nigeria's strategic importance to the UK, citing their collaboration on training and empowering Nigerian instructors to build local expertise.
'Nigeria is one of our strongest partners here in West Africa. We support them with the regional activity that they have. We support that across the region as well as within Nigeria with some of the threats that they've had on the border.
'Our collaboration focuses on training and empowering Nigerian instructors to build local expertise,' he added.
In an interview with Major General Wahidi Shaibu Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai expressed gratitude for the UK's continuous support, particularly in training and operational assistance.
'Their presence here today reinforces the mutual relationship between both countries. The insurgency in the North East is on a downward trend, and we remain committed to restoring peace in the region,' he said.