By Abubakar Muhammad (9NEWS NIGERIA, NORTHEAST)
In the continues fight against insurgency in the northeast region, Operation Hadin Kai, a military Joint Task Force (JTF) operation in the region, has met with the United Kingdom (UK) defence officials in Maiduguri.
With the Defence Minister of UK, Lord Vernon Coaker and Theater Commander, JTF, Northeast Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Wahidi Shaibu and other top Nigerian and UK military officers in attendance, the meeting was held on Wednesday at the headquarters of Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Maimalari Barracks.
The meeting aims to review past programs under the partnership between the Nigerian Military and UK defence forces.
It also aimed at discussing progresses in fight against the terrorists groups in the region.
This is coming after the resurgence of terrorists attacks in various locations across northeast.
After the meeting, both parties highlighted some of the areas of their collaboration while talking to Newsmen.
They said that the meeting is part of a larger strategic engagement between them, to ensure proper planning and execution of their programs.
Speaking to journalists, Lord Coaker said the meeting is to recognize and celebrate the progress they have made together so far.
He noted that the discussions include exploring other areas they can work together in enhancing the capacity of the theater.
UK Defence Minister, Vernon Coaker talking to journalists in Maiduguri
Explaining further, the defence minister acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian government and the military in the fight against insecurity, pledging that they would continue to grant support in that direction.
He noted that their support is mainly on professional military training, intelligence and other expertise in combating IED threats among other things, adding that the impact of the support doesn’t only reflect on the military but the civilian population as well.
“This is a strong relationship between our militaries and is something we wish to continue, and that’s why our Prime Minister was keen for me as the Defence Minister to come out here and talk to you General,” he said.
Also responding to questions from journalists, General Shaibu said that the presence of UK’s defence at the theater signifies the importance mutual relationship between Nigeria and the UK.
He said the partnership has provide military training assistance to Nigerian troops and the military is grateful for that.
On the fight with terrorists in the northeast, Shaibu said the war is “a work in progress and we would continue to do our best to ensure that we achieve our mandate of restoring peace in the Northeast region, and to also ensure that economic activities are thriving.”
