Terrorism: 35m at risk of severe hunger in Northern Nigeria — UN

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that escalating terrorist attacks and worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria are driving hunger to unprecedented levels, putting millions at risk as the 2026 lean season approaches.

Nearly 35 million people across northern Nigeria are projected to face severe food insecurity between May and September, the period between planting and harvest when rural communities typically struggle the most.

In Borno State, the epicentre of the 16-year conflict with Boko Haram and its splinter groups, about 15,000 people are expected to experience catastrophic hunger, described by the WFP as “famine-like conditions.”

The long-running insurgency has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced roughly two million across the northeast, with violence spilling into Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.

Armed “bandit” groups continue to wreak havoc in northwestern and central states, raiding communities and kidnapping residents for ransom.

Last week alone, over 300 students and teachers were abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State, 25 schoolgirls were taken in Kebbi State, and 38 worshippers were seized from a church during a livestreamed service in Kwara State.

Although the insurgency is less intense than at its peak around 2015, attacks have surged since early this year, stretching the capacity of security agencies and worsening humanitarian conditions.

Economic hardship compounds the crisis, as soaring inflation amid a national economic downturn leaves many families unable to afford basic food staples.

Global funding cuts have further intensified the situation.

The WFP reports that the United States, its largest contributor, has reduced foreign aid, and several European donors have also cut humanitarian budgets.

Nearly one million people in northeastern Nigeria rely on WFP assistance, but funding gaps have forced the agency to scale back operations.

In July, 150 out of 500 nutrition centres were shut down due to lack of funds, leaving over 300,000 children at risk and pushing malnutrition levels from “serious” to “critical.”

Militant violence has continued to escalate this year.

The WFP cited the first Nigerian attack claimed by the al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) last month as evidence of growing threats.

“Communities are under severe pressure from repeated attacks and economic stress,” said David Stevenson, WFP’s representative in Nigeria.

“Families are being pushed closer to the edge, and the need for support is rising.”