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<p>Terrorist activities from Boko Haram and other groups have killed more than 15,000
people and caused a major humanitarian crisis. There are an estimated 2.2 million
internally displaced people, most of them in host communities, putting an additional
pressure on what is already a fragile social environment. Around 6.4 million people
are in need of humanitarian support due to disruption of food supply, limitation of
livelihood activities, and destruction of basic service facilities like health centres
or schools. An estimated 600,000 children are out of school.</p><br /><p>Boko Haram
violent extremism has destroyed the economy in the North East. Local chambers of commerce
in the North East report that business activity has dropped by 80% over the past three
years. The national economy is also affected. Major trade routes for the Nigerian
market and with neighbouring countries have been disrupted. And the need for the Government
of Nigeria to spend significant additional resources on emergency response and defence
has reduced funds available for economic and social investments.</p><br /><p>In response
to this crisis, DFID is providing a substantial package of security, development and
humanitarian support to Nigeria including a £6.5 million in humanitarian programme
and a £5.4 million development portfolio in Yobe state. This is complemented by a
£12.1 million funding through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) for
programmes implemented by DFID and other departments to mitigate conflict and enhance
security forces capability. During my visit to Nigeria in October, I saw first-hand
the interfaith peace clubs supported by DFID to build community cohesion and the excellent
work the UK military is doing in training the Nigerian army in the fight against Boko
Haram.</p>
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