Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their latest assessment of the human rights situation in Nigeria.

​Boko Haram have committed horrendous atrocities against communities in Nigeria and the wider region. We estimate that over 20,000 people have been killed by the group. The Nigerian armed forces have severely weakened Boko Haram, but the group remains a threat to security in the region. We remain committed to supporting Nigeria and its neighbours in the fight against Boko Haram and are providing a package of military and intelligence support.

We are also concerned by credible reports of human rights violations by the Nigerian security forces and the accidental bombing by the Nigerian Air Force in January of a camp for displaced people in Rann. We continually make clear to the Nigerian authorities the importance of upholding human rights standards for all, including protecting civilians in conflict areas and detention. The military support that we are providing is designed not only to counter terrorism, but also to improve human rights standards.

We welcome President Buhari's commitment to improve the human rights situation, for example, his commitment to overhaul the Nigerian armed force's rules of engagement and to ensure that human rights violations by the security forces are investigated and appropriate action is taken. We also welcome the news that the Nigerian Air Force has launched an investigation into the tragic incident in Rann. Nevertheless, despite these positive steps, more needs to be done. We continue to work with the Nigerian government, non-governmental organisations and civil society to improve the security situation and human rights for all in Nigeria.