News story

UK to increase support to Nigeria

Prime Minister announces UK to step up support to the Nigerian Forces as part of our global commitment to developing security and stability.

Speaking in the House of Commons, David Cameron outlined plans to deploy more Short Term Training Teams to the region alongside an increase to the permanent number of military personnel based there. They will provide further support to Nigeria in improving security and combating Boko Haram, contribute staff to the Multi National Joint Taskforce Headquarters in Chad and advise on campaign planning and operational leadership.

The announcement came as the Prime Minister highlighted some of the UK’s ongoing military commitments including the decision to deploy up to 125 UK military personnel to provide further training to Iraqi security forces. The move, predominantly aimed at countering the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), will build on the work already undertaken in training 1,000 members of Iraqi forces.

Read more about this announcement here.

Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon said:

This increase in support for Nigeria will help a valued partner to improve security and combat Boko Haram.

Alongside recent decisions to deploy additional troops to Iraq and to commit an additional 500 to NATO’s Very High Readiness Task Force in Europe, this underlines our global commitment to building security.

Published 10 June 2015