Written question asked by Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 14 May 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 May 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Nigeria: Abduction

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Nigerian authorities about the continuing captivity of the Chibok girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014.

Answer: The UK Government condemns the abduction and continued captivity of children by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) in North East Nigeria. This includes the 2014 kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls, around 90 of whom are understood still to be missing. At the second UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) dialogue in February, the UK strengthened its commitment to providing mentoring and capacity building support to agencies tackling the threat of kidnap within Nigeria. Through this partnership, the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) is working with Nigeria to create a Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAKFC). This will make these agencies and bodies more interoperable with one another and create a more joined up approach when future incidences of kidnappings occur.

Secondary information