UK deploys personnel to tackle security threats in Africa

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that around 30 UK troops have recently arrived in Somalia to strengthen the United Nations mission to tackle security threats in the region. In addition, a 35 strong RAF team have been training Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel helping to fight Boko Haram. Personnel from No.5 Force Protection Wing and 51 Squadron RAF Regiment have been supporting the NAF’s skills in improvised explosive devices tracking insurgents, identifying weapons caches and navigation. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “We stand united with Nigerian efforts to defeat this brutal terrorist organisation. That is why we are increasing our support to their armed forces as they fight extremism. “We are determined to tackle terrorism wherever it appears and this deployment demonstrates our commitment to help stabilise Somalia.” More than 5,000 members of the NAF have benefited from a range of UK training since April 2015, including medical training, infantry skills, media operations, command and leadership, and support to Nigerian military training schools.