According to the partial government census there are 117,983 displaced persons from Nigeria in Niger (20 Sept 2016). Within this number there are 84,668 (self-declared) refugees, i.e. Nigerian nationals, and 29,315 persons who claim to be Niger citizens. However, the lack of documents (birth certificates, ID cards, etc.) for both refugees and Niger returnees makes it difficult to verify the status and nationality of this population. UNHCR is concerned that the inability of these forcibly displaced persons to prove their identity and nationality might become a risk in the long-term to have stateless persons in the region. At this stage the lack of documentation is a serious protection impediment given the prevailing security situation.

During the course of 2015, Diffa region (South-East Niger), where the forcibly displaced from Nigeria have found refuge, has seen numerous insurgent attacks. The insecurity in the region is not only a handicap seriously curtailing the provision of protection and assistance by humanitarian and governmental actors but has also created a significant internal displacement within the region. As of 20 Sept 2016, there are an estimated 184404 internally displaced Niger citizens within Diffa region (Source: Niger Government). Secondary and tertiary displacements makes registration and assistance challenging. An estimated 132,195 individuals moved into villages and spontaneous sites along a 200 kms stretch along the Road No. 1 (Route Nationale, RN1). Both, Niger IDPs and Nigerian refugees, have chosen to settle along RN1 as it eases the delivery of supplies and provides a sense of security which has gone lost in remote villages, especially in those close to the border with Nigeria.