8,521 Nigerians Flee to Niger, Cameroon and Chad as Violence Escalates in the North

Between December 2025 and May 2026, more than 8,500 Nigerians crossed into Niger, Cameroon and Chad to escape rising violence in the North-West and North-East. New UNHCR and NCFRMI data show the registered refugee population from Nigeria now stands at over 416,000 across the three countries. Niger recorded the biggest increase, with its refugee numbers rising by more than 10,600 to nearly 269,000. Many displaced people from Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina have settled in makeshift camps along the Diffa region. Cameroon hosts about 125,000 Nigerians in its Far North Region, while Chad shelters over 22,000 in Lac Province. Food and water shortages remain critical in Diffa, where 63% of refugees lack adequate food and 43% lack clean water. Return efforts are slow despite incentive packages and a draft repatriation framework pending review. The federal government and IOM have rolled out new policies and programmes to support displaced communities and strengthen state action plans. In his third-anniversary address, President Tinubu acknowledged ongoing security challenges but said operations are intensifying. He noted improvements in safety and economic activity along key roads and towns.

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