Nigeria's security gets boost as UK deploys Air Force to combat crime
- United Kingdom has started training Nigerian Air force at a live airfield by deploying its Air Force to the country
- This training is coming in time for the graduating students of first operational assignment
- The programme which was said to end by mid July is to validate the understanding of all skills taught in a realistic environment
The British government has deployed its Royal Air Force to Nigeria so as to strengthen the relationship it has for the peaceful coexistence in the country.
The deployment of Air Force was made known through a statement made available after the request by Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
Abubakar stated that the request was necessary to forestall possible attacks on the country’s airbases, Punch reports.
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The British government stated that a 66-person short term training team from “No 5 Royal Air Force (RAF) Force Protection Wing was deployed from RAF Lossiemouth to Nigeria for a six-week period to train the Nigerian Air Force Regiment.”
The detachment, the third undertaken by 5 Force Protection Wing in a five-year programme, comes after a request from Abubakar to assist in capacity building for the Nigerian Air Force Regiment.
Speaking on the development, Abubakar said: “Given the importance of bases in the airpower delivery matrix, it is not inconceivable to expect our adversaries to target our airbases. As a matter of fact, we have had an attack on one of our airbases in the recent past, and current intelligence reports keep highlighting the possibility of attacks on our bases.
“All these reinforce the need to emplace a robust base defence concept that is capable of providing guidance for responding to a wide range of situations that may threaten our bases.”
“We are delighted to be here again and, as always, humbled by the warmth of the Nigerian welcome. We are proud of our Royal Air Force heritage and the opportunity to represent our service in the Defence Engagement arena,” Rees stated.
The STTT is expected to deliver a training package which enables students to operate effectively in the Complex Air Ground Environment by understanding their role to provide security and Force Protection operations both inside and outside an air base.
This forms a key part of a layered defence system in deterring and defeating an enemy away from the airfield while also assuring the internal security of a base.
In addition, the RAF will give Nigerian commissioned and non-commissioned officers the opportunity to enhance their tactical leadership and planning skills, “while the junior airmen and airwomen build on the skills they learned during basic training.
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“During time away from delivering training, STTT personnel have taken opportunities to expand their cultural awareness.
‘’A small group attended their first Nigerian church service, meeting local people and celebrating together. Others burn the midnight oil, thinking tactics and formations for the first of the UK vs. Nigeria Air Forces football series.
“Having already delivered the Train the Trainer package to 50 non-commissioned officers and commissioned officers, a further 250 students will now begin the Foundation Phase, bringing a total of around 300 Nigerian personnel to be trained across a mixture of ranks,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigerian Air Force has started a six (6) week-training for selected officers to help develop the capacity of their personnel to train others for force protection.
Officers of the British Military Assistance Training Team (BMATT) are in Nigeria to help train the pioneer officers who will in turn train other officers.
Watch this Legit.ng TV Video of Nigerian Air Force operations against Boko Haram:
Source: Legit.ng
