Maiduguri, Borno State — Lieutenant General Sir Charlie Collins, the United Kingdom’s Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Strategy and Operations), has arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, in a move aimed at strengthening ongoing security collaboration between Nigeria and the UK in the fight against terrorism and regional insecurity.

The visit underscores growing defence ties between both countries and comes amid renewed efforts to enhance counterterrorism operations in Nigeria’s North-East and the wider Sahel region.

The British Defence Staff West Africa announced Collins’ arrival on Tuesday, describing the visit as an opportunity to assess ongoing military cooperation and support Nigeria-led initiatives aimed at improving security and stability.

In a statement shared on its official platform, the organisation said:

“Welcome to Nigeria, Lt Gen Sir Charlie Collins KBE DSO, UK Deputy CDS (MSO). In Maiduguri with Nigerian Army colleagues, seeing UK-Nigeria defence cooperation first-hand and supporting Nigeria-led efforts to strengthen security and regional stability.”

Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s long-running counterinsurgency campaign against terrorist groups operating in the North-East. The city serves as the operational hub for military efforts against insurgent elements linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Security analysts view the visit as a significant demonstration of the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security architecture through military cooperation, intelligence sharing, training programmes, and strategic partnerships designed to counter extremist threats across West Africa.

The development also follows recent high-level engagements between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. During his state visit to the UK in March, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation between both nations in addressing terrorism and instability in the Sahel region.

Speaking at a state banquet held at St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle, President Tinubu highlighted the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the UK, noting that the partnership extends beyond historical ties to include shared democratic values, economic interests, and security cooperation.

The President stressed that Nigeria continues to shoulder a significant responsibility in maintaining peace and stability across West Africa, particularly as terrorist networks expand their operations across the Sahel.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel,” Tinubu said.

“Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential.”

Tinubu further expressed optimism that deeper engagement with the UK would strengthen bilateral relations and advance collective efforts to tackle security threats facing the region.

The visit by Collins is expected to include engagements with senior Nigerian military commanders and assessments of ongoing defence cooperation programmes aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, capacity building, and regional security coordination.

As Nigeria continues to confront evolving terrorist threats, defence cooperation with international partners such as the United Kingdom remains a key component of broader efforts to strengthen national security, improve military capabilities, and promote long-term stability across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region.

President Bola Tinubu has formally asked the Senate to approve a constitutional amendment bill that would establish state police across Nigeria, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture and addressing growing security challenges.

The request was contained in a letter dated June 15, 2026, which was read on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

In the letter, President Tinubu sought legislative consideration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026. The proposed bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide the legal framework for the creation and operation of state police services alongside the existing federal police system.

According to the President, the bill is designed to introduce a dual policing structure that would enable both federal and state governments to play active roles in maintaining security within their respective jurisdictions.

Tinubu explained that the proposal builds on previous legislative efforts by both chambers of the National Assembly and includes additional safeguards to ensure effective implementation.

“This bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving national security challenges will be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians,” the President stated.

He described the proposed legislation as a critical component of his administration’s strategy to reform Nigeria’s security system and enhance the protection of lives and property across the country.

“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganize Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens, and I am confident that the Senate will act quickly to consider and pass this bill,” Tinubu added.

The President also urged lawmakers to give the bill speedy consideration in view of the nation’s security needs.

Following the reading of the letter, Senate President Akpabio referred the proposed legislation to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action.

The committee was subsequently directed to examine the bill and report its findings and recommendations to the Senate on the next legislative day.

If passed by the National Assembly and approved through the constitutional amendment process, the bill would mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to decentralize policing and strengthen security at the state level.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued on June 19, 2026, by the outgoing Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid.

CSP Iniedu, an indigene of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is an experienced police officer with a strong background in public communication, operational policing, intelligence management, administration, and institutional accountability.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pure Chemistry from University of Uyo and has attended several professional courses covering investigative interviewing, crime scene management, intelligence analysis, strategic communication, and human rights-based policing.

Before his latest appointment, CSP Iniedu served as Head of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he coordinated public complaint management and led initiatives aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

He also previously served as Public Relations Officer at the Police College of Information Technology in Kobape, Ogun State, and has held several operational and administrative positions across the country.

Throughout his career, CSP Iniedu has occupied key roles, including Operations Officer at Maisandari Division in Yobe State, Area Crime Officer at Umuahia Area Command in Abia State, Staff Officer at the IGP Secretariat, Force Headquarters, Second-in-Command of the 50 Police Mobile Force Squadron in Kubwa, Abuja, and Officer-in-Charge of the Force Headquarters Situation Room, where he supervised the coordination and dissemination of crime and security information nationwide.

The Inspector-General of Police expressed confidence in CSP Iniedu’s ability to lead the Force Public Relations Department, noting that his wealth of experience and professional expertise will strengthen the Force’s strategic communication efforts, enhance public engagement, and support ongoing policing reforms.

Members of the public and media stakeholders can contact the new Force Public Relations Officer through the following channels:

Phone: 08128526154

X (formerly Twitter): @cspiniedu

The appointment takes immediate effect as the Nigeria Police Force continues efforts to improve communication, transparency, and public trust in its operations.