Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, said the activity of the Boko Haram insurgents is tarnishing the country's image in the international community.

Briefing State House correspondents yesterday, Anyaoku said the level of insecurity in the country is adversely affecting the country's foreign policy implementation and called on government to quickly address the situation.

He said, "The insecurity in the land is a drag on our foreign policy no doubt because our standing up abroad depends to a large extent on our domestic conditions. So, to the extent that we have insecurity at home, it is a draw back to our foreign policy.

"I believe that the President and the Government are determined to address the issue of insecurity and my hope is that in due course their efforts will succeed."

Anyaoku led members of the Presidential Advisory Committee to present two handbooks on Nigeria's foreign policy to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking during the event, Jonathan said the publications are relevant in aiding political leaders and diplomats in implementation of foreign policy and to protect the country's interests.

In his remarks, Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru said the two handbooks were jointly published by the ministry and the advisory committee.