Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the strategic implications of the increased strength of armed insurgents in north-east Nigeria; and what support his Department is providing to Nigeria to tackle the insurgents.

We are concerned by the recent increase in terrorist activity in northeast Nigeria and strongly condemn all attacks. Insecurity is placing humanitarian operations under pressure and risks cutting off lifesaving support for up to 120,000 people in need of assistance. We are exploring options for additional support to help the Nigerian Government tackle this terrorist threat.

The UK provides a substantial package of security, humanitarian and development support, which includes training and capacity building for Nigerian armed forces. We recently formalised our assistance through a Security and Defence Partnership, signed during the Prime Minister's visit in August.