Germany and the United Kingdom’s defense attachés to Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to working with and supporting theater command northeast operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the struggle against Boko Haram.
Brigadier Tom Harper and Colonel Boris Bovecamp, the British and German defense attachés to Nigeria, said they would continue to support and work together in the fight against terrorism and insurgency during their visit to the theater command headquarters in Maiduguri yesterday.
In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Tom Harper emphasized Nigeria and the United Kingdom’s longstanding and deep respect for one another as well as their shared dedication to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
He praised the Nigerian Armed Forces’ efforts to combat terrorism in the Northeast, especially through Operation HADIN KAI, and stated that the UK would continue to provide training through the British Military Advisory Team (BMATT).
In the same statement, Colonel Boris Bovecamp, Germany’s Defence Attaché to Nigeria, said he was in the theater to discuss potential future cooperation areas, particularly capacity building and potential interventions through regional cooperation agreements to improve operational effectiveness and cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
In response, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Theatre Commander of OPHK, praised the important roles played by the German and British Defence Attachés in the fight against insurgency.
He emphasized the reciprocal advantage of the partnerships by pointing out that training programs have improved troops’ abilities and competence in responding to changing security threats in OPHK.
Along with equipment and logistics support, he highlighted technical expertise as areas of future partnership.
Signing the visitors’ register, presenting the mementos, and taking a group photo marked the end of the tour.
