Northern Nigeria is grappling with unprecedented hunger as jihadist attacks and widespread insecurity push thousands into “famine-like conditions,” the World Food Programme (WFP) warns. Nearly 35 million people are projected to face severe food insecurity during the 2026 lean season from May to September.
Borno state, the epicentre of the 16-year insurgency, faces catastrophic hunger, with around 15,000 people at immediate risk. Violence by Boko Haram in the northeast and armed bandit gangs in the centre and northwest has worsened the crisis, causing mass kidnappings, deaths, and displacement of millions.
Funding cuts from major donors, including the United States and European nations, have forced the WFP to scale down nutrition programs, leaving over 300,000 children at heightened risk. Economic challenges and inflation further limit food access for rural communities.
WFP stresses urgent international support is needed to prevent a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe in Nigeria’s conflict-affected regions.
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