Tri-Service

UK Troops Deploy To Train Nigerian Forces Fighting Boko Haram

UK Team Deploys To Train Nigerian Forces Fighting Boko Haram

A UK military training team will shortly deploy to Nigeria to train local forces fighting Boko Haram.

More than 35 personnel from the Second Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment (2 R ANGLIAN), will deliver infantry training to Nigerian military personnel preparing to tackle the extremist group in the north of the country.

The Defence Secretary announced a step up in training to help Nigerian forces stamp out the threat posed by Boko Haram last month. Michael Fallon said:

"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 (AFN) for crucial counter-insurgency operations."

It's expected that the number of British personnel deployed on training tasks in Nigeria will more than double in the coming year, with up to 300 expected to provide support during 2016.

Of this number, some will be RAF personnel forming a new training team to improve the knowledge and skills of the Nigerian Air Force in airfield defence and counter insurgency.

A specialist team will also deploy to provide assistance in countering improvised explosive devices, as well as medical training and advice.

Around 130 UK military personnel deployed to Nigeria on a wide range of training tasks last year.

This included training in 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 now been trained to prepare them for counter-insurgency operations in north east Nigeria, and the work by 2 R ANGLIAN, known as The Poachers, is now well-recognised across the AFN.

The UK also supports a Nigerian intelligence and analysis cell focussed on the north east and based in Abuja, and nearly 30 UK Armed Forces personnel are deployed in Nigeria on an enduring basis in training and advisory roles.