Baroness Anelay visits Nigeria

LONDON, England – Foreign Office Minister Baroness Anelay visited Nigeria to hold discussions on the protection of civilians in the fight against Boko Haram.

During her visit, Baroness Anelay reiterated the UK’s support to Nigeria in their fight against Boko Haram. The Minister observed first-hand UK military personnel training Nigerian soldiers to strengthen the military response to combat Boko Haram in the north east of the country.

Baroness Anelay said:

“Boko Haram has caused immense suffering to people of different faiths and ethnicities. They commit appalling atrocities against all those who do not follow their extremist and intolerant views. The UK is committed to help Nigeria fight terrorism and is working closely with Nigeria and our international partners to support those people who have been displaced by the conflict in the north east.”

In her meetings with the Nigerian government, the Minister raised the importance of the protection of civilians, particularly in preventing gender-based violence, in the fight against Boko Haram. She also met a range of NGOs and civil society to discuss UK support for the large numbers of people displaced by the conflict in the north east.

The Minister also met with the Bring Back Our Girls campaign and discussed the additional humanitarian support the UK is providing to help those affected by the fight against Boko Haram. This includes 6.7 million pounds to deliver food, education, safe water, shelter material and other basic necessities to those people displaced in Nigeria. The Minister also saw how UK projects are providing education for girls and young women, helping them to achieve their potential and giving them the skills they need to set up their own business.