First batch of 35 British troops from Royal Anglian Regiment deployed to Nigeria

BRITAIN has agreed to deploy about 35 soldiers from the Second Battalion of its Royal Anglian Regiment to Nigeria to assist and train the military as it beefs up its operations in the continued fight against Boko Haram.

 

Last month, Britain pledged to double the number of military advisers and trainers it sends to Nigeria in 2016 as part a programme to assist the Nigerian Army upgrade its capability to enable it fight Boko Haram more effectively. As part of this programme, an initial team from the Anglian Regiment is being deployed to deliver infantry training.

 

Joe Abuku, a spokesman for the British High Commission in Nigeria, confirmed that the deployment will take place as soon as possible. Last month, British defence secretary Michael Fallon announced a step-up in training to help Nigerian forces stamp out the threat posed by Boko Haram.

 

Mr 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 for crucial counter-insurgency operations.”

 

This enhanced commitment includes an intention to more than double the number of British personnel deployed on training tasks in Nigeria this year, with up to 300 expected to provide support and the deployment of a specialist team to provide assistance in countering improvised explosive devices, as well as medical training and advice. It also includes a new Royal Air Force training team to improve the knowledge and skills of the Nigerian Air Force in airfield defence and counter-insurgency.