UK to increase support to Nigeria against Boko Haram

LONDON

The U.K. will increase support to the Nigerian armed forces in the fight against Boko Haram, the Ministry of Defense announced Monday.

After U.K. Defense Secretary Michael Fallon visited Nigeria on Monday to meet President Muhammadu Buhari, the Ministry of Defense said it would nearly double the number of British personnel deployed in training tasks in Nigeria in 2016.

"Boko Haram is a brutal organisation that has murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians," said Fallon. "We stand united with Nigeria in its efforts to defeat them. Stepping up our training efforts will help support the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for crucial counter-insurgency operations."

Up to 300 British personnel are expected to provide training and support in 2016. Moreover, assistance in countering improvised explosive devices, as well as medical training and advice will be provided.

The ministry said that about 1,000 Nigerian troops have benefited from counter-insurgency training in northeast Nigeria in 2015.

Nigeria is battling to end the six-year insurgency has claimed about 20,000 lives and displaced 2.5 million displaced persons, according to a report by UNICEF.

The Nigerian military was given a December deadline by Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari to end the insurgency in the troubled region of the oil-rich African nation.