Violence in northern Nigeria has pushed 64,000 people into neighbouring Niger since the start of the year, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday. Several hundred more have fled to Benin. The agency told UN News that a humanitarian crisis is growing across the region and host countries are struggling to cope.
Northern Nigeria faces several security crises at once: jihadist insurgencies, armed banditry and clashes between farmers and herders. These conflicts have forced millions from their homes over the past 25 years. Before 2026, Niger already hosted more than half a million refugees and asylum-seekers, including some 327,500 from Nigeria. It also has large numbers of internally displaced people.
Arrivals have continued in recent weeks. In October alone, around 1,200 people crossed into Diffa in south-eastern Niger and another 3,400 into Tahoua in the west. Conditions are worst in Diffa, which accounts for more than 70 per cent of Niger's reported security incidents this year. Drought and irregular rain have also hit farming. Grain harvests are expected to fall short in around 700 of the region's 1,000 villages. An estimated 70 per cent of pastureland has been lost.
UNHCR said many of the new arrivals are children. Malnutrition is high, and food and clean water are scarce. Refugee women told the agency they walk several kilometres to fetch water. Many families live in makeshift shelters, and aid partners report poor hygiene and widespread respiratory infections.
Only around five per cent of Nigerian refugees who arrived this year have been registered, because funding is short. Without documents, refugees struggle to get aid and services. Schooling is another problem. Children from Nigeria's English-based system find no schools or transitional classes at some sites.
UNHCR's Dominique Hyde praised the "remarkable solidarity" of Niger's authorities and host communities, who have made land available for temporary shelter. She warned that their capacity is stretched. The agency is seeking $11.4 million for its response in Niger, Nigeria and Benin. That includes a $2 million appeal for urgent needs such as water, food, shelter, health care, registration and protection. "Without additional resources, thousands of vulnerable families risk being left without essential assistance and protection as displacement continues," Hyde said.