Conflict intensifies in northeast Nigeria as over 2.0 million people remain displaced

In late November, intensified attacks by insurgents on military checkpoints, worship centers and population have resulted in increased fatalities and displacement in the northeast. Crop harvest, livestock grazing, markets and other livelihood activities remain disrupted and dry season activities will likely remain substantially below average. Most affected populations are facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes. Areas that remain inaccessible to humanitarian actors are likely facing similar or worse outcomes relative to adjoining areas.

IOM Round 25 assessment report covering October 1 through 20 identifies 2,026,602 across the six northeast states of Nigeria, with five percent increase to the previous round. Almost 90 percent of the IDPs were in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. Borno state, continue to host the highest IDPs population (1,475,605) in Nigeria. 

As at 29th October 2018, the NCDC reported a total of 42,466 suspected cholera cases including 830 deaths across 20 states. Flooding has receded in most areas but remains concerning in Bayelsa and Rivers states. Additionally, the herder/farmer conflict remains active throughout the country resulting in increased fatalities and threatening the ongoing main harvest in affected areas. 

Favorable crop harvest is underway in most areas outside northeast Nigeria. Most households are consuming own food as market and household stocks increases and market demand declines. Thus, staple food prices are stable or declining as labor opportunities relatively increased. Consequently, most areas are facing Minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes, except households impacted by the herders/farmers conflict and flooding, are facing Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes.