Lieutenant General Sir Charlie Collins, the UK’s Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, has touched down in Maiduguri, Borno State, to back Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to restore peace in the Northeast.
The British Defence Staff West Africa confirmed the visit on Tuesday, saying it will allow Collins to see UK-Nigeria military cooperation in action and support Nigerian-led operations aimed at improving security and regional stability.
“Welcome to Nigeria, Lt Gen Sir Charlie Collins KBE DSO, UK Deputy CDS (MSO),” the official post stated. “In Maiduguri with @HQNigerianArmy colleagues, seeing UK-Nigeria defence cooperation first-hand and supporting Nigeria-led efforts to strengthen security and regional stability.”
Collins’ arrival comes months after President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK in March. At a banquet in St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle, Tinubu told the Royal Family that Nigeria’s partnership with Britain is critical to tackling terrorism across the Sahel.
He described the Nigerian diaspora in the UK as “the strongest bridge between our two countries” and said the visit would deepen ties built on “partnership, mutual respect, and common values.”
Speaking on regional security, Tinubu noted that “our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel,” adding that Nigeria bears “an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability.” He said he looked forward to meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to advance that partnership.
Despite the security threats, the President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future.
