Britain Pledges Military Intelligence Support To Rout Boko

FOLLOWING the swearing-in of Nigeria’s new President, Muhammadu Buhari, the British government has pledged to help Nigeria with military intelligence and training support to defeat Boko Haram.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond who attended the inauguration said in an interview with journalists from select media houses in Abuja yesterday, that aside the help that would be rendered to Nigeria and its neighbours on the issue, the G7 would also render assistance.

He noted that the security challenge facing Nigeria and its neighbours would be discussed at the G7 Meeting to which President Buhari has already been invited. According to Hammond, Boko Haram must be crushed.

He also stated that Britain is already committed to a stable Nigeria and will do all it can to help the new government to achieve its goal of ensuring security of its citizens, to improve the power shortfall, improve agriculture, reduce reliance on oil and gas; and as well reduce corruption.

Hammond noted that ensuring Nigeria’s stability will improve the trade volume of seven billion pounds currently between both countries; and increase business investment in Nigeria by British çompanies.

“Nigeria is an important partner. This new government gives us a renewed energy to renew this commitment. We are very willing to support the President in his plan. Nigeria should be the powerhouse of Africa. Helping to make that happen will promote regional stability”, he said, adding however that Nigerian armed forces and security agencies must operate by the humanitarian laws in its operations in the north east for Britain to support it.