UK Director For Global Defence Network Visits Army War College In Nigeria 

… Seeks Collaboration On Training / Capacity Building Initiatives 

By Emmanuel Adeoye 

The United Kingdom Director for Global Defence Network, Air Vice Marshal Mick Smeath, CBE, has recently paid a visit to the Nigeria’s Army War College Commandant, Major General Bamidele Ababi in his Office in Abuja to seek areas of collaboration for training and capacity building with the Country’s Army War College. 

Reports sent to Treasure Newspaper from the Army Headquarters in Abuja revealed that the visit was aimed at strengthening the cooperation between the Army War College and the UK’s government, most especially in the area of training and other capacity-building initiatives.

The Commandant, Major General Bamidele Ababi in his remarks said “that Nigeria and the United Kingdom shares a long history of cooperation on security issues, and expressed his appreciation for the visit”. 

General Ababi while speaking further,  reiterated that the partnership between the United Kingdom and the War College has been crucial in enhancing the mission statement of the College which is “to produce well-trained, educated and inspired operational level leaders for the Nigerian Army”.  

This visit according to him is a testament to the strong relationship between the two countries. “We are grateful for the support and partnership of the United Kingdom in addressing our security challenges”, General Ababi added.

While responding, Air Vice Marshal Smeath expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to visit the Country’s War College and learn more about the Nigerian military’s approach to professional military education.

He went on to assure that “the UK government is committed to supporting Nigeria in its efforts to address the threats facing the Country”, he added. “We believe that by working together, we can enhance the capacity of the Nigerian military and promote regional security and stability”.

“Air Vice Marshall Smeath added that the Army War College in Nigeria is a premier institution for the training of senior military officers not only Nigerian Army, but other sister services and officers from African countries”. 

He stated that the UK government has been a key partner in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, providing intelligence support, training and equipment to the Nigerian military. The visit by the Director of Global Defence Network is expected to further strengthen their relationship, especially in the area of sharing expertise and knowledge between the War College and the United Kingdom.

Highlights of the visit were presentation of operational brief by Colonel A.O.  Onasanya, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs among other things.