Over 8,500 Flee to Neighbouring Countries Amid Rising Insecurity
At least 8,521 Nigerians have fled to neighboring countries — Niger, Cameroon, and Chad — amid escalating violence linked to insurgency and banditry, according to verified humanitarian data.
The displacement occurred between December 2025 and May 2026, with most of those affected coming from conflict-hit regions in northern Nigeria, particularly areas plagued by armed groups and extremist activity.
Data compiled by the UN refugee agency and Nigerian authorities shows the crisis is part of a broader humanitarian situation, with the total number of Nigerian refugees in the three countries rising to over 416,000.
Niger recorded the highest influx during the period, driven largely by worsening insecurity in northwestern states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina, where attacks by armed groups have intensified.
Analysts link the continued displacement to the prolonged insurgency involving groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, whose activities in the Lake Chad Basin have fueled cross-border movements and humanitarian strain across the region.
The development underscores growing regional pressure as neighboring countries grapple with hosting large numbers of displaced Nigerians while insecurity persists in parts of the country.
