UNHCR Seeks $11.4 Million as 64,000 Nigerians Flee to Niger

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is seeking $11.4 million to expand humanitarian assistance across Niger, Nigeria, and Benin after nearly 64,000 people fled northern Nigeria for Niger since the start of 2026. Several hundred others have sought refuge in Benin. The displaced populations are escaping a combination of attacks by Islamist militants, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, as well as armed banditry and farmer-herder conflicts.

Most arrivals have settled in the Tahoua and Diffa border regions of Niger. In Diffa alone, more than 23,000 people have arrived, two-thirds of whom are children. The influx is straining Niger's resources, as the country already hosted over 500,000 refugees and asylum-seekers before this year. Refugees face severe shortages of food, clean water, and shelter, with aid agencies reporting rising rates of malnutrition and respiratory infections.

Funding shortages have left approximately 95% of this year's arrivals unregistered, which hinders their access to public services and essential assistance. The UNHCR's funding request includes a $2 million appeal for immediate critical needs, such as food, shelter, and the formal registration of displaced persons.