Terrorism: UK boosts Nigeria military

 The United Kingdom will increase its military and educational aid to help Nigeria tackle Boko Haram, Foreign Secretary William Hague has announced.

He said Nigeria’s army would receive extra training, especially in counter-insurgency, and a million more children would be given schooling.

This is the latest promise of Western help since Boko Haram abducted some 200 schoolgirls in April.

Since then, the sect has stepped up its attacks.

Mr. Hague stressed that human rights must be respected in the operation against the militant group.

Human rights groups have accused Nigeria’s army of killing hundreds of civilians in crackdowns following Boko Haram attacks.

The British foreign secretary also insisted that the extra aid must be spent effectively. There have been reports of corruption in the military.

Mr. Hague said the extra assistance would be provided in conjunction with France and the United States.

He also said that Nigeria, Chad, Benin, Niger, Cameroon had confirmed they will put into operation a regional intelligence fusion unit – to “tighten the net around Boko Haram.”

The BBC reports that the meeting took place on the sidelines of the London summit on ending sexual violence in conflict, co-hosted by Mr. Hague and United Nations special envoy and actress Angelina Jolie.

It follows last month’s summit in Paris where regional powers pledged to co-ordinate action against the group.