British Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has delivered a fiery speech condemning Islamic extremism, drawing from her experiences growing up in Nigeria and her long-standing concerns over attacks against Christians in the country.

Speaking at a Turning Point UK event in London, Badenoch referenced the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping by Boko Haram and linked it to broader global patterns of extremist violence.

“Many of you know that I was born in this country, but I grew up in Nigeria,” she said. “And in 2014 I remember when 300 schoolgirls were stolen from their schools by Islamic extremism and they did not return. Only a few returned.”

She also referenced the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

“On October 7th I saw it. The stealing of children, the murder, the massacre of young people at music festivals. We know what this is and we should not pretend,” Badenoch stated.

Badenoch, who has repeatedly spoken about violence against Christians in Nigeria and Islamist attacks targeting Christian communities, criticised what she described as fear among some leaders and commentators to openly identify extremist ideology.

“There are many people who are afraid to call it what it is. There are many people who are afraid to call it out. I am NOT AFRAID,” she declared.

“We do need to stand against extremism. We do need to stand against Islamic extremism.”