The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria’s Northwest region has risen sharply to nearly 800,000, driven largely by escalating insecurity and banditry across several states, according to new data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The PUNCH reports that IDP figures in the region increased by 143,189 persons within six months, marking a 22 per cent rise between December 2025 and May 2026.
The latest figures, published in the UNHCR Nigeria Forcibly Displaced Populations dashboard, show that the Northwest now hosts 793,534 displaced persons, up from 650,345 recorded in December 2025.
The dashboard is jointly produced by UNHCR and the Federal Government through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, drawing data from registration records, biometric enrolment, field assessments, and contributions from agencies including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the Displacement Tracking Matrix.
Sokoto, Zamfara Drive Surge
Sokoto State recorded the most dramatic increase, with its IDP population more than doubling from 88,562 in February 2026 to 181,526 in March 2026—an increase of 92,964 persons, representing a 105 per cent spike.
Zamfara State, which remains one of the epicentres of banditry, also saw a significant rise, adding 74,648 displaced persons within the period. Its total climbed from 204,576 to 279,224, a 36.5 per cent increase.
Together, Sokoto and Zamfara account for the majority of the displacement surge in the region.
Mixed Trends Across Other States
In contrast, Katsina State recorded a decline in displacement figures, dropping from 235,898 to 206,071 IDPs—a reduction of 29,827 persons, or 12.6 per cent.
Kaduna State, however, saw a modest increase, rising by 4,653 displaced persons from 110,813 to 115,466.
The report also shows that Nigerian refugees from the Northwest registered in neighbouring Niger Republic increased from 258,359 to 268,967 within the same period.
Nationwide Displacement Picture
Across Nigeria, the total number of internally displaced persons now stands at 3,711,314 as of May 2026. The UNHCR estimates that Nigeria accounts for 3.5 per cent of the world’s 117 million forcibly displaced persons.
Banditry and communal violence in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara continue to disrupt farming activities, markets, and access to basic services, displacing nearly 1.4 million people—many of whom now live in host communities.
Rising Violence and Casualties
The increase in displacement follows intensified attacks in the region. In the first half of 2025 alone, at least 2,266 people were killed by insurgents or armed groups, exceeding the total fatalities recorded in 2024.
Broader security data indicates that over 10,217 people have been killed in attacks across Benue, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara states during the first two years of the current administration.
The emergence of armed groups such as Lakurawa, reportedly linked to Islamic State Sahel Province, has further complicated the security situation, with cross-border operations extending into Niger and Mali.
Government Response and Humanitarian Efforts
In response to the crisis, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Northwest Governors’ Forum and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched state-level adoption of the National Policy on IDPs and action plans for Katsina and Zamfara in February 2026.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has also expanded humanitarian operations beyond the Northeast to cover affected Northwest states.
Outlook
Despite ongoing military operations and government assurances, insecurity remains a major driver of displacement in the region. The UNHCR data underscores the continuing humanitarian pressure in the Northwest, where thousands of families remain uprooted amid persistent attacks and instability.
