UK Defence Deputy Chief Visits Maiduguri To Strengthen Security

The United Kingdom’s Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Sir Charlie Collins, has arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of efforts to strengthen defence cooperation between the UK and Nigeria.

The British Defence Staff West Africa announced the visit on its official X handle on Tuesday, saying the engagement reflects the UK’s continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to tackle insecurity and promote stability in the West African region.

According to the statement, Collins is in Maiduguri to engage with officers of the Nigerian Army and assess ongoing areas of military collaboration between both countries.

“Welcome to Nigeria, Lt Gen Sir Charlie Collins KBE DSO, UK Deputy CDS (MSO). In Maiduguri with Nigerian Army colleagues, seeing UK-Nigeria defence cooperation first-hand and supporting Nigeria-led efforts to strengthen security and regional stability,” the post read.

Photographs from the visit showed the British military chief being received with a guard of honour and participating in ceremonial exchanges with senior Nigerian military officers.

The visit comes amid intensified efforts by Nigeria to strengthen international partnerships in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry, particularly in the North-East and other troubled parts of the country.

Military authorities said the engagement underscores the growing defence relationship between both countries and their shared commitment to addressing security challenges and enhancing regional peace and stability.