Nigeria — humanitarian situation

Armed conflict in northwestern Nigeria continues to drive population displacement, with multiple bandit attacks recorded in early August. Attacks on communities in Katsina State on 6 and 8 August displaced 3,509 individuals from 524 households, including 1,458 children IOM. A separate attack in Zamfara State on 28 July displaced an additional 359 individuals IOM. Security analysis indicates that July 2026 recorded 596 security incidents with at least 570 confirmed fatalities nationwide, with organized armed violence concentrated in areas where ISWAP has pursued a deliberate campaign against schools and aid supply lines (SARI Global). In northeastern Nigeria, flooding and landslides have compounded humanitarian needs, with severe urban flooding striking Lafia, Nasarawa State on 13 August (IFRC, Nigerian Red Cross Society) and weeks of torrential rainfall triggering devastating landslides and flooding in Calabar, Cross River State (IFRC, Nigerian Red Cross Society). Food insecurity remains acute across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, where 6.4 million people face crisis or worse levels during the lean season OCHA, FAO. The protracted humanitarian crisis in the northeast is driven by conflict, displacement, economic hardship, and climate shocks FAO. Belgium is supporting FAO's emergency and resilience activities to assist farming communities affected by these overlapping crises FAO. Benin has absorbed displacement pressure from northern Nigeria and the Sahel, hosting 85,200 displaced people by June, including 42,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, with 8,400 refugees registered in the first half of 2026 UNHCR. Cholera outbreaks are rapidly spreading across West and Central Africa, with active outbreaks in six countries including Nigeria's Borno State UNICEF, MDM. Rising cholera cases across Borno have prompted humanitarian partners to scale up life-saving responses OCHA. Seasonal rains, flooding, population displacement, and cross-border transmission are accelerating disease spread UNICEF. Government-led closure of the GSSSS IDP camp in Bama Local Government Area during June displaced thousands of vulnerable households and disrupted established GBV referral pathways, case management services, and Women and Girls' Safe Spaces (GBV AoR). Preparations for additional camp closures in Gwoza, Mafa, and Jere Local Government Areas have heightened protection risks (GBV AoR).