Nigeria: Nearly 64,000 Nigerians Have Fled to Niger Republic Amid Insecurity - UNHCR

What the report says

The United Nations refugee agency says nearly 64,000 Nigerians have crossed into Niger Republic since the start of 2026, fleeing attacks by Islamist militants and armed gangs. The report, cited by Leadership and distributed by AllAfrica, says a smaller number have also moved into Benin as insecurity worsens in parts of Nigeria.

UNHCR spokesperson Dominique Hyde said the influx is adding strain to Niger, which already hosts a large refugee and asylum-seeker population. The agency said many of the new arrivals are children and that humanitarian resources are falling short. According to the report, people in the border areas of Diffa and Tahoua are living in difficult conditions, with limited access to food, clean water, shelter and basic services.

The article also says aid workers are seeing signs of malnutrition, respiratory illness and poor sanitation among displaced families. Many of the newcomers have not been formally registered, which can limit access to assistance and public services. UNHCR said insecurity and climate-related pressures are compounding the crisis in Niger, where a large share of reported security incidents this year have occurred in Diffa.

The agency is seeking $11.4 million to support its humanitarian response in Niger, Nigeria and Benin. The appeal comes as displacement linked to violence in Nigeria continues to put pressure on neighbouring countries and humanitarian agencies.