Britain to train Nigerian Army in counter-terrorism and launches £13m fund for kids affected by Boko Haram insurgency

BRITAIN has agreed to train the Nigerian Army in counter-terrorism tactics as part of a new security partnership aimed at tackling the threat posed by Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa.

 

Theresa May, the British prime minister is currently visiting Nigeria and yesterday, her and President Muhammadu Buhari held bilateral talks, with security being one of the major discussion topics. During the summit, Mrs May committed Britain to training Nigerian Army anti-terrorist squads so they were better equipped to face the threat from militant Islamist insurgents.

 

At the moment, Britain offers token logistical support to the Nigerian Army in the fight against Boko Haram but with the new development, it will be the first time UK armed forces train full fighting units. In addition, British officials will also launch a £13m initiative to train school children caught up  in Boko Haram’s conflict zone, as well as help counter the group’s propaganda.

 

Mrs May said: “No one should live in fear of being targeted by militants or forced from their homes and no child should lose out on an education because of the threat of terror. Insecurity, violence and extremism destabilise countries and regions and undermine growth, holding back entire generations from reaching their potential.

 

“It is only when people are safe and communities stable that nations have the opportunity to thrive.”

 

Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa are responsible for the deaths of more than 20,000 people, with almost 2m forced to live away from their homes in the northeast of the country. Under the new partnership Britain will expand its provision of equipment and training for the Nigerian Army to enable it tackle the improvised explosive devices used by the groups.

 

Boko Haram has adopted the bombs and the insurgency style tactics that the UK faced in Iraq and Afghanistan. Until now the UK had only trained Nigerian soldiers individually, not in their full fighting teams but the new move to train full units represents an intensification of cooperation.

 

As part of the cooperation, British officials will show the Nigerian government how to set up a crisis response mechanism, similar to the UK’s Cobra system, which swings into action in the face of any event requiring urgent action. This plan will also aim to cut the number of recruits joining Boko Haram by tackling the false information spread by the group to attract new members.

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