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British Defence Staff West Africa engaged across the region to deepen relations with our West African Partners.

Abuja
Joined October 2024
Photo by UKDefence_WestAfrica (@UKDefence_WA)Photo by UKDefence_WestAfrica (@UKDefence_WA)Photo by UKDefence_WestAfrica (@UKDefence_WA)Photo by UKDefence_WestAfrica (@UKDefence_WA)Photo by UKDefence_WestAfrica (@UKDefence_WA)Photo by UKDefence_WestAfrica (@UKDefence_WA)Photo by UKDefence_WestAfrica (@UKDefence_WA)Photo by UKDefence_WestAfrica (@UKDefence_WA)Photo by UKDefence_WestAfrica (@UKDefence_WA)Photo by UKDefence_WestAfrica (@UKDefence_WA)
BDS WA joined colleagues, partners and veterans across Abuja and Lagos in marking #RemembranceSunday. Together, we remembered the British, Nigerian and Commonwealth personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service. Their courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Lest we forget. 🕊️ @UKinNigeria @DefenceHQ
Today in Abuja and Lagos, representatives of the Nigerian Government, Armed Forces, diplomatic community, and veterans joined our annual #RemembranceSunday. ​We honoured all British, Nigerian, and Commonwealth personnel who lost their lives in service. ​Lest we forget. 🕊️
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Defence diplomacy in action 🇬🇧🤝🇨🇲 On Day 2 of his Cameroon visit, Brig Tom Harper MBE, Head BDS WA, met Maj Gen Saly Mohamadou, Chief of Army Staff, and was received with a Guard of Honour. The engagement provided an opportunity to deepen UK-Cameroon defence ties, discuss shared security priorities and explore opportunities for closer military cooperation. A strong demonstration of the enduring partnership between our Armed Forces and commitment to regional security. @DefenceHQ @UKinCameroon
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Defence diplomacy in action 🇬🇧🤝🇨🇲 Brig Tom Harper MBE, Head BDS WA, met Cameroon’s Deputy Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of the Air Staff. Discussions focused on shared security priorities, stronger bilateral defence cooperation and closer UK-Cameroon engagement. A valuable visit reinforcing defence relationships and partnership across West Africa. @DefenceHQ @UKinCameroon
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Last week, BDS WA brought together Defence Advisers and senior leaders from across the region in Lagos to align priorities, share regional insights and strengthen collective understanding of the year ahead. The conference also reinforced professional networks, cohesion and coordination, helping ensure UK Defence engagement across North & West Africa remains focused, connected and effective. @UKinNigeria @UKinGhana @UKinCameroon @UKinSenegal @DefenceHQ @ukinalgeria @UKinLibya
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A strong platform for partnership and opportunity. 🇬🇧🤝🇳🇬 #AFRIDEX2026 brings together government, defence and industry to deepen cooperation, showcase UK expertise and build connections that support security, trade, investment and shared prosperity across Nigeria and wider Africa. #UKNGPartnership @UKinNigeria @DefenceHQ
The UK is proud to participate in #AFRIDEX2026, an important platform to showcase UK expertise and strengthen partnerships that unlock new opportunities in security, trade, investment and collaboration across the UK, Nigeria and Africa. #UKNGPartnership
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Security and prosperity go hand in hand. 🇬🇧🤝🌍 At #AFRIDEX2026, Maj Gen Clark CBE, Comd IGDN, highlighted how trusted defence partnerships, shared priorities and support to sovereign capability can strengthen skills, innovation and prosperity across Africa. A strong message on the value of long-term defence cooperation in building resilient partnerships and supporting regional security. @DefenceHQ @UKinNigeria
Security & prosperity go hand in hand, and stronger defence partnerships can help deliver both. At #AFRIDEX2026 Maj Gen Clark CBE, Comd IGDN, set out how partnerships built on trust, shared priorities & sovereign capability support, skills, innovation & prosperity across Africa.
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A strong UK presence at #AFRIDEX2026 🇬🇧🇳🇬 Great to see @JonnyBaxterFCDO alongside @DefenceHQ NAD Group and Dominic Guinness, supporting an event that brings government, defence and industry together to strengthen partnerships, capability and regional security across Africa. Proud to see @dmgeventsglobal helping drive that conversation. #UKNGPartnership
Great to have our DHC in Lagos @JonnyBaxterFCDO at #AFRIDEX2026 alongside @DefenceHQ NAD Group, Dominic Guinness. Proud to see UK's @dmgeventsglobal bringing together government, defence, & leaders to strengthen regional security & peace across Africa. 🇳🇬🇬🇧 #UKNGPartnership
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A valuable opportunity to observe the training and development of the next generation of Nigerian infanteers. During a visit to the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, the Joint Counter Terrorism Training and Advisory Team observed parachuting led by the Commandant, Maj Gen MN Inuwa, alongside live-firing and physical training. The visit showcased the professionalism and demanding preparation required for future operations, while reinforcing the strong UK-Nigeria defence partnership and our commitment to continued cooperation. @HQNigerianArmy @UKinNigeria @DefenceHQ
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Lessons Learned, Stronger Operations. Completion of the Lessons Learned Course at the National Defence College, Abuja, marks an important step in strengthening institutional learning, operational effectiveness and adaptability. Capturing lessons from experience helps identify gaps, embed best practice and improve responses to emerging challenges and evolving threats posed by Violent Extremist Organisations. #ProfessionalMilitaryEducation #DefenceCooperation @DefenceHQ @UKinNigeria @HQNigerianArmy
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In Maiduguri, 🇬🇧🇳🇬 High Commisioner @PeteVowles met senior military personnel from Operation HADIN KAI. Through our UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, we’re working together to advance regional stability, civilian protection, & long-term development. #UKNGPartnership @DHQNigeria @DefenceHQ @UKinNigeria
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On behalf of the British Government and Ministry of Defence, we extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their lives in yesterday's tragic aircraft crash in Ondo State. We stand with the Nigerian Armed Forces and the people of Nigeria during this period of national mourning. @DefenceHQ @UKinNigeria
Yesterday, Nigeria lost brave men and women of our Air Force in the service of our country. This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Behind every uniform is a family. A spouse, a child, a parent, a brother or sister who expected their loved one home. Nigeria grieves with them. I have declared three days of national mourning and directed that our flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of those we have lost. The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences. I also commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident. We honour their service. We remember their sacrifice. May the souls of our departed heroes rest in peace. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria
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During a joint humanitarian and defence visit to Maiduguri and Gwoza, the 🇬🇧 mission heard directly from communities and those working to keep them safe. Through #UKNGPartnership, the UK is working alongside Nigeria to support a safer and more resilient North-East 🇳🇬.
Valuable engagement with Armed Forces Nigeria as the British High Commission’s Security, Stabilisation & Humanitarian Group visited Op HADIN KAI HQ. Constructive discussions focused on enhancing the safety and security of internally displaced persons across Borno State and strengthening coordination in support of affected communities. @UKinNigeria @DefenceHQ @HQNigerianArmy
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At last week’s WAMS Conference in Accra, the UK Ministry of Defence highlighted the strategic importance of security and stability across the Sahel. A secure Sahel is critical to strengthening resilience, supporting sustainable development and enabling long-term prosperity across West Africa. #WAMS2026 #SahelSecurity @UKinGhana @DefenceHQ
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Engineering expertise, practical cooperation and shared learning are central to the UK-Nigeria defence partnership. 🇬🇧🤝🇳🇬 During a recent reconnaissance of Maimalari Camp, 22 Engineer Regiment met with 47 Engineer Brigade of Op HADIN KAI, the Armed Forces Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operation in North-East Nigeria to explore opportunities for continued collaboration on construction projects and the sharing of best practice through training. This close cooperation strengthens professional links and contributes to wider efforts to counter violent extremism and support a safer, more secure future for communities across North-East Nigeria. @UKinNigeria @DefenceHQ @HQNigerianArmy
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Valuable engagement with Armed Forces Nigeria as the British High Commission’s Security, Stabilisation & Humanitarian Group visited Op HADIN KAI HQ. Constructive discussions focused on enhancing the safety and security of internally displaced persons across Borno State and strengthening coordination in support of affected communities. @UKinNigeria @DefenceHQ @HQNigerianArmy
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Brig Tom Harper MBE hosted a reception at the Residence of the Defence Adviser in Abuja, to recognise members of the Nigerian Defence community who successfully completed Professional Military Education (PME) courses.   The Defence Adviser congratulated Lt Col MD Auta ACSC, Col KJ Nwachukwu RCDS, and Col GA Owojaiye RCDS on their achievements, highlighting the importance of continuous professional development, leadership, and lifelong learning in strengthening Defence capability and UK-Nigeria defence cooperation.   The British High Commission Defence Section is proud of their achievement and wishes them every success in their future appointments. @DHQNigeria @DefenceHQ @UKinNigeria @HQNigerianArmy
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UKDefence_WestAfrica retweeted
Excellent morning with the @UKDefence_WA team in Abuja to learn about our work with Nigerian partners on land & at sea to improve security for Nigerians. One important pillar of the 🇳🇬🇬🇧 partnership.
Aligning UK defence diplomacy in support of the UK-Nigeria partnership. Brig Tom Harper MBE and the BDS WA team were pleased to host His Excellency Mr Peter Vowles, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, and Ms Vicky Seymour, Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, at BDS WA HQ. The engagement focused on priorities in Nigeria, BDS WA’s regional role and defence activity across West Africa, strengthening shared understanding and alignment in support of UK-Nigeria security cooperation and wider regional partnerships. @UKinNigeria @DefenceHQ
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Aligning UK defence diplomacy in support of the UK-Nigeria partnership. Brig Tom Harper MBE and the BDS WA team were pleased to host His Excellency Mr Peter Vowles, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, and Ms Vicky Seymour, Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, at BDS WA HQ. The engagement focused on priorities in Nigeria, BDS WA’s regional role and defence activity across West Africa, strengthening shared understanding and alignment in support of UK-Nigeria security cooperation and wider regional partnerships. @UKinNigeria @DefenceHQ
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Defence diplomacy in action. BDS WA welcomed DA India to HQ for constructive discussions on regional security, partnership and opportunities for continued defence cooperation. A valuable engagement reflecting the importance of strong relationships and shared understanding across West Africa. @DefenceHQ @UKinNigeria
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🇳🇬🤝🇬🇧 BDS WA personnel visited the Nigerian Army Armour School Bauchi, to discuss opportunities to strengthen cooperation and work towards shared strategic objectives. A valuable engagement reinforcing the enduring UK-Nigeria defence partnership. Grateful to Maj Gen SD Makolo for hosting. @DefenceHQ @HQNigerianArmy @UKinNigeria
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