United Kingdom (UK) military has deployed a team to train Nigerian forces fighting Boko Haram.
The team, comprising more than 35 personnel from the Second Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment (2 R ANGLIAN), will deliver infantry training to Nigerian military personnel.
Last month, British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announced a step up in training to help Nigerian forces stamp out the threat posed by insurgents.
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.”
UK’s enhanced commitment as announced last month by the Defence secretary include an intention to increase British personnel deployed in training tasks in Nigeria in the coming year, with up to 300 expected to provide support this year.
It comprises the deployment of a specialist team to provide assistance in countering improvised explosive devices, as well as medical training and advice.
It also include a new Royal Air Force (RAF) training team to improve the knowledge and skills of the Nigerian Air Force in airfield defence and counter insurgency, which is part of the 300 personnel.
The Royal Anglian Regiment, based in Cottesmore, Rutland, provided support to the military throughout last year, including the deployment of Short Term Training Teams, and support to smaller training tasks to assist the resident British Military Advisory and Training Team.
Around 130 UK military personnel were deployed in 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 benefited from training to prepare them for counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast.
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