Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the main source of Boko Haram's weapons; and what is their assessment of the strategy adopted by the government of Nigeria in respect of that organisation.

Reliable assessments of the source of Boko Haram’s weapons are not available. However, reports indicate that Boko Haram obtain weapons from a variety of sources, including illegal arms smuggling and theft from the Nigerian military.

On the military side, the Government of Nigeria has increased the number of forces in the North East. However, tackling the threat of Boko Haram requires a comprehensive response, including economic development, led by the Nigerian government, with the support of its neighbours and other international partners.

The UK’s package of support includes training and advice to Nigerian military units, deployed against Boko Haram; support to the Nigerian government in bringing increased development and prosperity to the North East; and a commitment to draw one million more children into education in Northern Nigeria by 2020.