Post by : Rameen Ariff

Nigeria is on the brink of an unprecedented hunger crisis, as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) indicates that almost 35 million individuals might experience extreme food insecurity in 2026. The dire situation stems from escalating militant attacks, economic struggles, and significant reductions in humanitarian support.

Violence in northern Nigeria has intensified throughout 2025, with militant groups like the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and an al-Qaeda affiliate, JNIM, launching more frequent attacks. Recently, ISWAP fighters killed a brigadier-general, while armed bandits kidnapped over 300 Catholic school students. Additional assaults included a public school attack that resulted in the death of a deputy head teacher and the abduction of 25 schoolgirls.

David Stevenson, WFP's country director in Nigeria, stressed the threats posed by the growing insurgency to regional stability. Vulnerable rural farming communities are particularly endangered, with nearly 6 million residents in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe already facing food shortages. In Borno alone, around 15,000 people are experiencing famine-like conditions, coupled with alarming levels of child malnutrition in Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara states.

At present, nearly one million individuals in Nigeria rely on assistance from the WFP. However, due to funding reductions, the organization was compelled to diminish its nutrition programs in July, impacting over 300,000 children. The WFP has cautioned that without additional resources, it will exhaust its funds for emergency food and nutrition support by December 2025. These funding cuts are attributed primarily to decreased international donations from countries like the United States and other supporters.

Unless fresh financial backing is secured, millions in northeastern Nigeria may face starvation and a critical shortage of basic food supplies in 2026. The hunger crisis is escalating rapidly, necessitating urgent interventions to avert further distress and loss of life.

#Global