Fresh data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has revealed a sharp increase in the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria’s North-West region, underscoring the growing humanitarian toll of persistent insecurity across the zone.
According to figures contained in the UNHCR Nigeria Forcibly Displaced Populations Dashboard released in May 2026, the number of displaced persons in the region rose from 650,345 in December 2025 to 793,534 in May 2026, an increase of 143,189 people within six months.
The development represents a 22 per cent rise in displacement and highlights the continued impact of banditry, communal conflicts and cross-border armed activities in several North-West states.
The dashboard, produced jointly by the UNHCR and the Federal Government through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, relies on biometric registration, field assessments and population tracking conducted across affected communities. Data contributions are also provided by the Nigeria Immigration Service, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Displacement Tracking Matrix.
A closer examination of the figures showed that Sokoto State recorded the most significant increase in the number of displaced persons. The state's IDP population surged from 88,562 in February 2026 to 181,526 in March, representing an increase of 92,964 individuals and more than doubling the previous figure.
Zamfara State also experienced a substantial rise, with its displaced population increasing from 204,576 to 279,224, adding 74,648 people to the growing number of residents forced to flee their communities.
The two states accounted for the overwhelming majority of new displacements recorded in the region during the review period.
While displacement worsened in Sokoto and Zamfara, Katsina State recorded a reduction in the number of displaced residents. The state’s IDP population declined from 235,898 to 206,071, indicating that 29,827 people either returned to their communities or relocated elsewhere.
Kaduna State recorded a comparatively smaller increase, with the number of displaced persons rising from 110,813 to 115,466.
The UNHCR data further showed that Nigeria's total internally displaced population reached 3,711,314 as of May 2026. The country currently accounts for approximately 3.5 per cent of the estimated 117 million forcibly displaced people worldwide.
The report noted that insecurity across Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states has continued to devastate livelihoods, disrupt farming activities and weaken access to essential services, worsening conditions for affected populations.
Nearly 1.4 million people have been displaced across the North-West due to violence, with the majority seeking shelter in host communities rather than formal displacement camps.
Beyond internal displacement, the crisis has also driven thousands across international borders. The number of refugees from the North-West residing in neighbouring Niger Republic increased from 258,359 in December 2025 to 268,967 in May 2026, reflecting a rise of 10,608 persons.
Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that deteriorating security conditions are fueling population movements across the region.
By early 2025, more than 580,000 people had already fled their homes in Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states as attacks by armed groups intensified. Women and children constituted the majority of those affected.
The violence has also translated into rising casualties. Reports indicate that at least 2,266 people were killed by bandits and insurgents during the first half of 2025, exceeding the total number of conflict-related deaths recorded in 2024.
A separate assessment covering the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration estimated that at least 10,217 people lost their lives in attacks carried out by armed groups across several states, including Benue, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara.
Security concerns have been further heightened by the emergence of Lakurawa, a militant group believed to maintain operational links across Nigeria’s borders with Niger and Mali.
One of the group’s most deadly attacks occurred in July 2025 when suspected members stormed Kwallajiya community in Sokoto State’s Tangaza Local Government Area, killing several residents.
In April 2026, armed bandits also launched coordinated assaults on communities in Zamfara State’s Bukkuyum and Tsafe local government areas, forcing more residents to abandon their homes.
In response to the growing crisis, the Federal Government and its development partners have intensified efforts to promote long-term solutions for displaced populations.
In February 2026, the North-West Governors’ Forum, with support from the United Nations Development Programme, launched state-level implementation of the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons and adopted action plans aimed at facilitating durable solutions in Katsina and Zamfara states.
The International Organisation for Migration has similarly expanded its operations into parts of the North-West, extending humanitarian interventions beyond its traditional focus on the North-East.
Attempts to obtain official comments from the Presidency were unsuccessful, as the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, did not respond to enquiries.
However, in his Democracy Day anniversary address marking three years in office, President Tinubu acknowledged that security challenges remained a major concern but maintained that military and security operations were yielding positive results.
He stated that security agencies had intensified their offensive against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts would ultimately restore safety and stability across affected communities.
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