By Uche Amunike
The United Kingdom (UK) has donated a counter-insurgency training facility to the Nigerian Armed Forces, as their way of contributing towards the training of their personnel and preparing their troops for future operations.
This took place yesterday as the United States (US) Mission in Nigeria announced that the country would receive $27 million as part of $536 million humanitarian aid package from the American government to sub-Saharan Africa.
Speaking through a statement, signed and released by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr Tony Baxter, he stated that the military training facility was funded by the UK through its Ministry of Defence and was built by a team of Royal Engineers from the British Army, working alongside Nigerian Army engineers.
According to the statement, the facility will make it easier for the soldiers to help prepare trainees to operate effectively during deployments.
The training facility was officially opened by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who was represented by Major Gen. S.G. Mohammed, yesterday at Ogun State, alongside, Johnny Baxter from the British High Commission and Brigadier Martin Leach from the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence.
A demonstration of the equipment’s operation conducted by the Nigerian Armed Forces, was witnessed firsthand by the attendees.
After Baxter was enlightened on the training display, he stated: ‘The UK has deep interests in Nigeria’s development, security, and stability. We enjoy a long-standing security and defence relationship, underpinned by a shared desire to support regional and international peace and security.’
‘Our work with the Nigeria Armed Forces seeks to build capacity to address the root causes of insurgency and insecurity and support institutional modernization and transformation.’
He further stated: ‘We provide substantial security and development support to Nigeria, including capacity building assistance, training facilities and equipment. The British Government will continue to work with Nigeria to respond to the drivers of conflict – and all these engagements we hope will lead to better security, stability, and enhanced growth partnerships for the good of both our countries.’
He commended the selfless sacrifices made by the Nigerian Armed Forces in working with their counterparts to ensure that there is peace and security in the region.
The $27 million from the United States government to the Nigerian Armed Forces is a part of America’s commitment to provide life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable people and general host communities in the continent.
According to the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, the impact of the new US government funding will make a real difference in the lives of those that are most in need in Nigeria and across the continent.
Hear him: ‘This $27 million in aid demonstrates the United States’ unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing humanitarian challenges. We stand with Nigeria in its efforts to provide for vulnerable populations and build resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts.’
On his part, the Under-Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, introduced the comprehensive aid package, bringing the entire US humanitarian assistance to sub-Saharan Africa in this fiscal year to nearly $3.7 billion
