UK reiterates Nigeria support against Boko Haram

Theresa May, UK Prime Minister

The UK Minister for the Armed Forces, Mark Lancaster, visited Nigeria this week, marking the strong defence relationship between the two nations.

During the visit, Lancaster saw firsthand the support the UK is providing to the Nigerian armed forces leading the fight against Boko Haram in the north east of Nigeria.

As well as meeting those delivering expert training to the Nigerian military through the resident British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT), he met with UK personnel in the Liaison and Support Team (LST) based in Nigeria’s north east. The LST provides non-lethal operational advice and guidance to the military as they tackle the terror threat of Boko Haram.

Speaking, he said, “With our world class military expertise, we are helping the Nigerian military develop the skills necessary to tackle the threat of Boko Haram. The UK stands united with Nigeria in the international fight against terror.

"From expert operational guidance and medical mentoring in the north east, to counter explosive device training across the country, the UK is leading the way in its commitment to supporting a safe and stable Nigeria."

He also visited various Nigerian defence institutions currently receiving military support from UK training packages and met with senior Nigerian military officials in Abuja to discuss how the UK and Nigeria can continue to work together to meet the complex challenges facing the country.

At Makurdi and in Kaduna State, he spoke to Nigerian troops receiving training from UK personnel. Courses and training packages delivered to date have covered topics that include infantry skills and tactics, response to terrorist attacks, bomb scene management and airfield defence, operational planning and leadership which have enabled the Nigerian military to tackle terrorist threats more effectively and better defend the provision of humanitarian relief.

The UK shares a deep and long-standing defence partnership with Nigeria, and over 40 UK personnel are deployed on an enduring basis in the country to coordinate training and advisory support. The UK is not only increasing counter-terrorism cooperation with Nigerian partners, but British military personnel are also working alongside US and German allies in a multinational effort to step up counter improvised explosive device support.

Alongside France and the US, the UK is assisting in regional coordination and intelligence sharing arrangements between Nigeria and its neighbours, with a small number of UK personnel deployed alongside the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad. The UK was one of the first donors to support the MNJTF, with £5 million to help equip the force.

Almost 700 UK military personnel have deployed on a range of short term training tasks in support of the BMATT since early 2015, many from 7 Infantry Brigade (the famous Desert Rats), and the RAF Regiment, which is helping to develop its Nigerian counterpart.

Over 28,500 members of the Nigerian military have received UK training and defence education in this time. The UK remains committed to strengthening its strategic partnership with Nigeria, and will continue to deliver world class training to help the Nigerian military adapt to meet the modern security challenges facing the country.

Lancaster