Boko Haram: Uk To Train Nigerian Soldiers

Source: thewillnigeria.com

BEVERLY HILLS, January 13, (THEWILL) – The United Kingdom has released a statement which says it has agreed to lend its support to Nigeria as part of its effort to stop terrorism globally.

Under the military cooperation arrangement, soldiers from the second battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment (2 R ANGLIAN), will be deployed to Nigeria to train Nigerian forces to combat Boko Haram.

“More than 35 personnel from the 2 R ANGLIAN will shortly deploy to deliver infantry training to Nigerian military personnel preparing to tackle the extremist group in the north of the country,” the statement read in part.

According to the statement released on Wednesday by the British High Commission in Abuja, signed by the Press and Public Affairs Officer, Joe Abuku, the UK defence secretary, Michael Fallon, had in December 2015 announced a step up in training to help Nigerian forces stamp out the threat posed by Boko Haram

According to Fallon, “we stand united with Nigeria in its efforts to defeat the murderous Boko Haram extremists. Stepping up our training efforts will help support the armed forces of Nigeria for crucial counter-insurgency operations.”

He also said that a new Royal Air Force (RAF) training team would be sent to improve the knowledge and skills of the Nigerian Air Force in airfield defence and counter insurgency as part of the 300 military personnel deployment in 2016.

The deployment includes a specialist team to provide assistance in countering improvised explosive devices, as well as medical training and advice while the training will cover infantry skills, civil-military affairs, media operations, command and leadership, IED-awareness, and support to Nigerian military training schools and establishments.

Almost 1,000 Nigerian military personnel have benefited from training to prepare them for counter-insurgency operations in north eastern Nigeria.

2 R ANGLIAN, based in Cottesmore, Rutland provided support to Nigerian armed forces throughout 2015.

Story by David Oputah