Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Monday, 8 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 June 2026. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Nigeria: Armed Conflict

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports by Caleb Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State, Nigeria, that more than 60 villages had been destroyed by jihadist militias and that such destruction constituted a genocide.

Answer: On the security situation in Nigeria, I refer the Noble Lord to my statement to the House on 27 November 2025 (HLWS1104). On the claims from the Governor of Plateau State, the Noble Lord is aware that it is the long-standing policy of the UK Government that any formal judgment as to whether genocide has occurred should be made following a judgment by a competent national or international court. This policy is consistent with our obligations under the Genocide Convention, providing a clear, impartial and independent measure for the determination of whether genocide has occurred.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL725
Session: 2026-27
Related items: Nigeria
Thursday, 27 November 2025
Written statements
House of Lords
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Armed conflict Nigeria
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk