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.

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.

The Nigerian military has successfully rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, following weeks of captivity in the hands of bandits.

The rescue was carried out by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force during intensified search-and-rescue operations aimed at locating and securing her release.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, troops made contact with the kidnappers at Tunga Village after sustained offensive operations and mounting pressure on criminal elements operating within the area.

The military disclosed that during the encounter, the fleeing bandits shot Mrs. Abubakar before abandoning her as troops closed in on their location. She was subsequently recovered and evacuated from the area.

Mrs. Abubakar was immediately taken to a military hospital, where she is currently receiving medical treatment. The Defence Headquarters said she is responding positively to treatment and remains under close medical supervision.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria assured the public of its commitment to her full recovery and stated that all necessary support is being provided to her family during this difficult period.

The military further revealed that operations are ongoing to track down and neutralise the bandits responsible for the abduction. Troops, it said, will continue to intensify efforts to eliminate terrorist and criminal threats not only in Katsina State but across the country.

Major General Samaila Uba reiterated the Armed Forces’ resolve to restore peace and security in affected communities and ensure that those responsible for acts of banditry and terrorism are brought to justice.