Nigeria records 507,000 new internal displacements in 2025, driven by conflict and disasters
Every year on June 20, World Refugee Day highlights those forced to flee war, persecution, violence and disasters. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre's 2026 report shows Nigeria recorded 507,000 new internal displacements in 2025—the seventh highest in Africa. Of these, 354,000 stemmed from conflict and 153,000 from disasters.
Conflict-driven movements were largely concentrated in the northwestern states of Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara, where criminal violence accounted for nearly 40% of the total. Communal clashes in Benue State added almost 59,000 more displacements. Disaster-related displacements, mainly floods, affected various regions across the country.
The crisis remains protracted: nearly half of Nigeria's estimated 3.5 million total internally displaced persons continue to live in Borno State, a legacy of over a decade of insurgency in the northeast. Many IDPs reside in overcrowded camps or host communities, struggling with limited access to livelihoods, healthcare and education.
What does this mean for Nigerians? With displacement persisting in multiple states, support for humanitarian interventions, peaceful conflict resolution and disaster preparedness is crucial. Consider verifying information through reputable sources, supporting verified relief efforts, and advocating for policies that protect vulnerable communities.