BMATT Hands Over Counter Terrorism Training Village To 81 Division Training School

The British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) has officially donated a state-of-the-art Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Training Village to the 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) Training School in Owode, Ogun State. The facility, aimed at enhancing the practical training of soldiers in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, was commissioned on August 20, 2024.

During the commissioning ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Sani Mohammed, praised the initiative. He emphasized the positive impact of the long-standing collaboration between the Nigerian Army and BMATT in critical areas such as Counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) training, Special Forces development, and Basic Infantry Training. General Mohammed expressed optimism that the new facility would significantly modernize the Division’s training processes and facilities.

The British Deputy High Commissioner to Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter, also delivered remarks at the event, highlighting the importance of the training village and other capacity-building efforts for the Nigerian Army. He stated that these efforts are essential in preparing troops for deployment in Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency (CTCOIN) operations.

In his welcome address, Brigadier General OB Davies, the 81 Division Training Officer, underscored the importance of training in enhancing troop professionalism. He noted that the training village, which includes seven buildings, accommodation areas, a dedicated training area, a market, and a perimeter fence, would provide students with practical, hands-on experience that complements their classroom learning.

The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Umar Mijinyawa, and Brigadier Martin Leach from the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, among other senior officers from the Army Headquarters and 81 Division.

The ceremony featured a demonstration drill by students of the Division Training School, the official commissioning of the training village, the presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs to commemorate the occasion.

Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 81 Division Nigerian Army, issued the official statement on August 21, 2024.