Summary
Highlights
Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation with 240 million people, faces a severe displacement crisis affecting 3.5 million, including 550,000 refugees. This crisis, ongoing since 2009, stems from governmental corruption, conflict, and a lack of resources. The country's tropical climate and high poverty rate (over 60% of people live in poverty, and 11% face famine) exacerbate the situation, with many lacking access to basic services.
Boko Haram, a major Islamic extremist group, is a primary driver of internal displacement, responsible for widespread gang violence and lawlessness. Their attacks target religious, political figures, and civilians, fueled by religious differences and exploiting poverty and weak security. Tactics include suicide bombings and land seizures. In 2020 alone, their actions in the northeast displaced over 1.9 million people.
Environmental issues significantly contribute to the crisis, particularly the desertification of Nigeria's portion of Lake Chad, leading to water scarcity and increased crime. High poverty in these areas makes communities vulnerable to groups like Boko Haram. Nigeria also suffers from a lack of arable land and extreme overpopulation, leading to natural resource depletion. A high dependency on oil inflates living costs, pushing 100 million into poverty. This scarcity also fuels conflicts between farmers and herders. Brain drain is also prevalent as educated individuals seek opportunities abroad.
Catastrophic flooding in Moa, north-central Nigeria, claimed 151 lives and displaced over 3,000 residents in 2025. This event, exacerbated by climate change, highlights the increasing severity of natural disasters. Additionally, a raid in Yalawada by gunmen killed over 100 and displaced 4,000. Many displaced flee to IDP camps, which are extremely dire: overcrowded, diseased, unsanitary, and lacking basic services, education, medication, clean water, and food.
Aisha's story illustrates the human cost of Boko Haram's violence. Her village in Boro State was attacked, forcing her and her children to flee, walking for days without food or water. She eventually reached an IDP camp near Madiguri, where life was difficult. With the help of a UNHCR-supported women's group, she found support and hopes for her children's future. Hamza's story details a flash flood in June 2025 that killed 39 family members and 38 students, displacing thousands. Now in a UNICEF rescue tent, he receives aid and appeals for help to rebuild his life.