Highlighting the longstanding defense relations between the UK and Nigeria, Montgomery emphasized the mutual understanding and cooperation that exists between their armed forces. He acknowledged Nigeria's significant contributions to peacekeeping operations, its role in regional organizations such as ECOWAS and the AU, and its ability to mobilize other nations when called upon by the international community.
The high commissioner further stated that the UK government is actively collaborating with Nigeria on the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). Comprising military forces from Benin Republic, Cameroon, Chad Republic, Niger Republic, and Nigeria, the MNJTF is headquartered in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, with a mandate to address the Boko Haram insurgency.
Regarding the current instability and terrorism in the Northeast region, Montgomery emphasized the UK's primary collaboration with Nigeria as part of the Multinational Joint Task Force. While the governments of Cameroon and Niger are also involved, Nigeria plays a central role and acts as the main provider of arms and military support within the task force.
At the bilateral level, the UK maintains a long-established military advisory and training team in Nigeria, adapting its relationship with the Nigerian armed forces based on evolving priorities. Montgomery highlighted two levels of defense collaboration between the UK and Nigeria: strategic and practical.
The strategic level is defined by a security and defense partnership that was signed in 2020. Montgomery pointed to the Memorandum of Understanding available on the UK government's website, www.gov.uk, which outlines areas of collaboration, including information sharing, personnel exchanges, and training programs. The partnership extends beyond the armed forces and encompasses cooperation with crime agencies as well.
On the practical level, the UK provides specific training and support to address challenges such as dealing with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). British trainers are deployed to work closely with Nigerian Army personnel, equipping them with knowledge and techniques gained from experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq, where they encountered similar campaigns involving IEDs. This practical training on identifying, approaching, and neutralizing IEDs is crucial in saving lives, particularly among infantry personnel.
Additionally, the UK government offers training and knowledge-sharing on countering small-scale violent extremist organizations. The experiences of the British Armed Forces in intelligence-led operations are shared with their Nigerian counterparts. Montgomery highlighted the importance of careful planning and shaping of military operations within civilian areas, based on accurate and timely information. Adherence to international humanitarian law and human rights law is emphasized as an essential aspect of military professionalism, and lessons on the challenges of complying with rules of engagement and laws are shared.
The high commissioner concluded by reaffirming the UK government's commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against insecurity, both strategically and practically. Collaboration in defense and security areas, coupled with a focus on intelligence-led operations and respect for international laws, forms the foundation of the partnership between the two nations.