The World Food Programme (WFP) says resurgent jihadist attacks and instability in northern Nigeria are pushing hunger to unprecedented levels, with thousands facing “famine-like conditions.
The UN agency said in a statement that nearly 35 million people in northern Nigeria are “projected to face severe food insecurity during the 2026 lean season”, which stretches from May to September.
According to the statement, in Borno state, the epicentre of the 16-year-long jihadist insurgency, around 15,000 people “are projected to reach catastrophic hunger” or “famine-like conditions. The conflict has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million others in the northeast and spilt into neighbouring countries.
Last week alone, Africa’s most populous country experienced three mass kidnappings.
More than 300 students and teachers from a Catholic school were abducted in Niger state, 25 Muslim high school girls were snatched in neighbouring Kebbi state, and 38 worshippers were taken from a church during a service that was livestreamed in Kwara State.
Chi Leal, Head of Communications and Media at WFP Nigeria, speaks with WADR about this development.
