Initial efforts were focused on the search for the missing schoolgirls, with the UK deploying military specialists, satellite imagery and reconnaissance aircraft from the Royal Air Force.

[5][6] In 2010, in opposition to Western education — which it claimed detracted from Islamic teachings — Boko Haram began to target schools.

Major General Chris Olukolade subsequently admitted that the military's earlier statement was incorrect and that "more than 200" girls remained missing.

Government inaction caused uproar in Nigeria, resulting in marches and a "#BringBackOurGirls" hashtag trend on social media.

On 4 May, President Goodluck Jonathan made his first public comments on the abduction and announced the country was seeking assistance from the United States and other world powers in tackling Nigeria's "security challenge".

[12] In a phone call to President Jonathan, British Prime Minister David Cameron offered the UK's support in finding the missing schoolgirls.

[17][18] The deployment augmented an existing British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) and included special forces personnel.

Notes from meetings obtained through the Freedom of Information Act revealed that Nigeria shunned international offers to rescue the girls as it considered the incident a "national issue".

Based in N'Djamena, the aircraft flew over Nigeria equipped with RAPTOR reconnaissance pods and supported the search for the missing schoolgirls.

[26] In June 2014, Foreign Secretary William Hague announced the UK would increase its military aid to Nigeria, including a tactical training programme.

[27][28] In 2015, the UK had around 130 military personnel deployed in Nigeria, including Short Term Training Teams (STTT) which were mainly supported by 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment.

[31] 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment remained in the country through 2016 and provided training on infantry skills, civil-military affairs, IEDs and leadership.

The RAF Police were also involved in this deployment and delivered training on military working dogs, counter intelligence and specialist investigations.