National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
Tayo Olanipekun
The UK Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has restated the commitment of his country to supporting Nigeria and its neighbours in the fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa.
He made this known today when he visited the North Eastern part of Nigeria where insurgents have carried out series of attacks and kidnappings for close to a decade.
He emphasized that the UK has repeatedly called for the release of all those abducted by Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa and the protection of all civilians.
Secretary Hunt also visited the WFP (World Food Programme) warehouse in Maiduguri during the course of his week-long trip to Africa, where he spoke to people providing life-saving support to millions who have fled their homes following the attacks and also met with the UK Military Liaison and Support Team which is working with the Nigerian military.
“People are being forced from their homes by the evils of extremism and terrorism. Boko Haram and Islamic State are the antithesis of the values we all hold dear, and we will continue to support Nigeria in the fight to give people secure, prosperous and happy lives,” noted Hunt.
The UK’s support package of security, humanitarian and development to Nigeria includes training and capacity building for Nigerian armed forces and the training of over 30,000 of the nation’s troops in recent years.
As the second largest humanitarian donor, the UK government was one of the first to respond to the crisis, investing £300 million in live-saving aid over five years to reach over 1.5 million of the most vulnerable people. UK support is also addressing root causes of the conflict, helping the Nigerian Government to deliver for its citizens in the longer term, including in health and education.
The UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, signed during the Prime Minister’s visit to the country in 2018, is also expected to increase the UK’s co-operation in the fight against terrorist groups and other security challenges.
Together with international partners, Hunt said the UK will continue supporting Nigeria and its neighbours to tackle threats to regional stability.
