Nigeria

Overview

The Boko Haram insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, ‘banditry’ violence in the northwest, farmer/pastoralist conflict in the Middle Belt and a growing Cameroonian refugee population in the south have contributed to a complex humanitarian crisis. In southern Nigeria, different armed groups pushing for secession in the Southeast and control of the oil-producing Niger Delta have perpetrated waves of violence in these areas.?

An interplay of various factors drives the complex crisis in Nigeria. Socio-cultural dynamics characterised by a heterogeneous population with an underlying current of ethno-religious tension have led to division between northern and southern Nigeria. This often explodes into conflict whenever there is a trigger. Economic factors such as unemployment, high inflation and poverty also drive insecurity throughout the country, as some youth join criminal gangs and militant groups in a bid for economic survival. Environmental factors also lead to conflict due to climate change and increased competition for scarce land.?

Conflict in different parts of Nigeria has led to internal displacement of nearly 3 million people. More than 336,000 Nigerians have taken refuge in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.? Livelihood activities such as farming and fishing have been disrupted by conflict, and contributed to food insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the northwest.? The protracted conflict in the northeast and increased school abductions by armed gunmen in the northwest, have affected access to education and contributed to at least 18.5 million children out of school in 2022.?

INFORM measures Nigeria's risk of humanitarian crisis and disaster to be very high, at 6.5/10.?

Latest Developments

22/06: Intercommunal clashes in Guyuk and Lamurde LGAs (Adamawa state) from 6-9 June resulted in at least 30 deaths, 57 people injured, around 500 homes damaged or destroyed and at least 10,000 people displaced. Clashes in these areas typically occur at the onset of the rainy season, related to disputes over agricultural land. The displaced people have taken refuge in five schools in Guyuk and Lamurde LGAs and need food, NFIs, WASH, medical care, and protection. They are at risk of contracting waterborne diseases such as acute watery diarrhoea and cholera as the rainy season progresses and WASH facilities are inadequate. The state government has provided some food and non-food items to the IDPs, but lacks the capacity to continue providing this assistance for an extended period of time.?

20/06: On 4 June, armed gunmen attacked Kwari village in Jibiya LGA (Katsina state). 2,000 people were displaced, 80 kidnapped, food stocks and houses destroyed by fire, and cattle stolen. The displaced people are at Central Primary school (Jibiya town). Based on information from other similar attacks, they are likely to need shelter, food, NFIs and security.?