UK Signs Deal To Combat Islamist Extremists In West Africa

Prime Minister Theresa May with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (Picture: PA).

The UK has agreed a deal to provide cash and a training package, designed to boost efforts to target Islamist extremists in West Africa.

Prime Minister Theresa May signed an agreement in Nigeria while meeting President Muhammadu Buhari.

The deal commits the UK to expanding its training and equipment to the Nigerian military as it fights Boko Haram, the Islamist extremist group.

The terror group has killed more than 20,000 people and forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. 

Speaking on Tuesday, the Prime Minister highlighted the work of the British military in Nigeria:

“Nigerian troops on the frontline against Boko Haram have received specialist training from Britain."

Mrs May faced questions from reporters over the decision to increase support, despite Amnesty International raising allegations about Nigerian soldiers raping women rescued from Boko Haram. 

The PM said the issue of human rights had been raised with President Buhari, adding she welcomed his decision to set up an inquiry to investigate the allegations.

The deal signed by Mrs May includes training to counter improvised explosive devices, £13 million to educate 100,000 children living in areas of conflict, developing the Nigerian government's procedures to response to terror attacks and aiding the country in propaganda war.

The UK will also train Nigerian army units before deployment. 

On the security and defence agreement, the PM said: "We are determined to work side-by-side with Nigeria to help them fight terrorism, reduce conflict, and lay the foundations for the future stability and prosperity that will benefit us all."

Mrs May arrived in Nigeria in an RAF Voyager, receiving a military reception before meeting President Buhari for talks at the presidential villa.

The Prime Minister later travelled to Lagos to announce business projects, develop financial links amid post-Brexit uncertainty for the City of London, and meet survivors of modern slavery.

Junior ministers and business leaders joined Mrs May on her three-day trade mission in Africa, which is set to end in Kenya on Thursday.