September 2024 saw twelve members of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) deploy as a Short-Term Training Team (STTT) to Nigeria to conduct a six-week instructional package for soldiers and officers from across the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), supporting Operation HADIN-KAI. 

A statement from Briiths Forces Gibraltar follows below:

The aim of the deployment was to develop the instructional capability of the AFN, in order to  develop an instructional corps of personnel who can work more widely across Nigeria,  training frontline troops in their ongoing fight against violent extremist organisations in the  North-East of the country. 

Joined by attachments from the Royal Engineers (RE), the Royal Army Medical Corps  (RAMC) and the Educational and Training Services (ETS), the RG upskilled over 30 AFN  personnel, plus a small contingent from Cameroon, in a range of infantry, medical and  Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) skills. 

The training package, conducted in Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri, Northeast  Nigeria, consisted of three phases, where students were trained in the basics of instructional  techniques, building their skills and knowledge which were then consolidated through  summative teach-back battle exercises and lessons. 

RG soldiers led on theory and practical lessons throughout, covering basic infantry skills  including actions such as the ambush, defence of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) and  night operations.  

Integrating these elements into realistic serials with CIED and medic stands, AFN personnel  were given many opportunities to hone their skills and receive ongoing, tailored feedback  from the deployed team. 

STTT Officer Commanding, Captain Mike Milward said: “The important work conducted by  the Royal Gibraltar Regiment out in Nigeria has been an enormous opportunity for the AFN  to learn new skills which will support them in their continued fight.  

There is no doubt that many elements of the delivery have been crucial to the current  challenges faced by the AFN. This includes improvised medical and CIED training, which will  limit casualties and support the AFN in being able to care for their injured personnel more  effectively.” 

Captain Mike Milward said: “This was not only a development opportunity for AFN soldiers,  the STTT was also a fantastic opportunity for RG soldiers to develop their own instructional  capability with private soldiers supporting on lesson delivery, as well as being active in  lesson planning and preparation.”

All RG soldiers on the deployment were upskilled either to Defence Train The Trainers (DTTT) Phase 3 or to T4 standard with the deployed ETS Officer, Captain Phoebe Russell.  This will have optimised the capacity of the RG in Gibraltar to conduct in-house DTTT Phase  3 training, as well as building a wider asset of trained military instructors and junior leaders in  the Regiment. 

STTT Second-in-Command, Sergeant Adam Rodgers commented: “The troops performed  outstandingly, often in uncomfortable weather and challenging situations where they had to  remain flexible to adapt lessons and delivery, often at the drop of a hat. I commend their  work ethic and maintenance of such high standards throughout the deployment,  representing the Regiment exceptionally, especially the young privates on their first STTT.” 

RG personnel living and working on the military cantonment optimised the cultural  opportunities available to them, despite being confined to a small compound within the wider  camp. Integrating closely with the Nigerian soldiers throughout the working day, firm  friendships were established and so much was learnt about the challenges faced by these  soldiers in their frontline roles.  

Private Luke Tavares said of his experience: “It’s been a brilliant deployment and we’ve all  learnt so much, working well as a team to deliver lessons to a mix of ranks across the AFN.  Getting to interact with the Nigerian soldiers every day has been great, learning about their experiences and hearing the realities of fighting on the frontline as well as understanding  more about their culture and lives.”