Nearly 64,000 Nigerians flee to Niger due to violence

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that nearly 64,000 Nigerians have fled to Niger since the beginning of the year due to violence in northern Nigeria. This surge in refugees adds to the growing humanitarian needs in Niger, which already hosts over half a million refugees and asylum seekers, including approximately 327,500 Nigerians. The UNHCR also noted that the impact of the violence is being felt in neighboring Benin, where hundreds of Nigerians are seeking refuge.

The majority of the newly arrived Nigerians have sought refuge in Diffa, in southeastern Niger, and Tahoua, in western Niger, both of which are located near the Nigerian border and are already struggling with insecurity, climate shocks, and overburdened services. In October alone, around 1,200 people crossed the border into Diffa, while over 3,400 people went to Tahoua, as violence continued to force families to abandon their homes. The UNHCR expressed concern that many of the newly arrived refugees, including children, are struggling to survive with limited access to food, clean water, shelter, and essential services.

The UNHCR reported that over 23,000 people have arrived in Diffa since the beginning of the year, with over two-thirds of them being children. Many of these individuals are living in makeshift shelters that offer little protection from the elements, while access to clean water remains a significant challenge. Furthermore, the UNHCR noted that only around 5% of the Nigerian refugees who arrived in Niger this year have been registered, as registration efforts have only recently begun due to resource constraints.

The lack of documentation poses significant challenges for the refugees, making it difficult for them to access assistance and essential services, and leaving them vulnerable to protection risks. Education is also a concern, particularly for children who have come from Nigeria's English-based education system, as there are no schools or transition classes in some areas, and the official language of Niger is Hausa, which replaced French in 2025.

The UNHCR expressed concern about the impact of the drought and irregular rainfall during the 2026 rainy season on agricultural production and pastures in Diffa. It is estimated that cereal production will be insufficient in around 700 of the 1,000 villages in the area, and that 70% of pastures have been lost. The refugees are arriving in communities that are already under significant pressure, with limited resources and means of subsistence.

To address the crisis, the UNHCR is seeking $11.4 million to reinforce its emergency response and solutions in Niger, Nigeria, and Benin, including a $2 million appeal for immediate critical needs, such as water, food, shelter, healthcare, registration, and protection. The agency emphasized the need for urgent support to address the growing humanitarian needs in the region.

The UNHCR's appeal highlights the need for international support to address the refugee crisis in Niger and the wider region. The agency is working to provide critical assistance to the newly arrived refugees, but its efforts are hindered by limited resources. The situation remains dire, with thousands of refugees facing significant challenges in accessing basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.

Key points

• The UNHCR reported that nearly 64,000 Nigerians have fled to Niger since the beginning of the year due to violence in northern Nigeria.
• The refugees are facing significant challenges, including limited access to food, clean water, shelter, and essential services.
• The UNHCR is seeking $11.4 million to reinforce its emergency response and solutions in Niger, Nigeria, and Benin.