Nigerian Hunger Crisis Escalates as Violence and Aid Cuts Intensify

Nigeria is enduring a profound hunger crisis, potentially the gravest in its history. According to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), close to 35 million individuals in Nigeria may confront severe food insecurity by 2026. This dire situation stems from escalating militant violence, economic hardship, and a drastic drop in humanitarian assistance.

The violence in Nigeria's northern regions has intensified throughout 2025. Militant groups, such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and an al-Qaeda affiliate known as JNIM, have increased their attacks in this area. Recently, ISWAP fighters were responsible for the death of a brigadier-general, and armed bandits abducted over 300 students from a Catholic school. Other incidents include a violent assault on a public school, resulting in the death of a deputy head teacher and the captivity of 25 schoolgirls.

David Stevenson, the WFP country director in Nigeria, warned of the peril that the escalating insurgency poses to regional stability. Rural farming communities are particularly vulnerable. Nearly 6 million individuals in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe lack adequate food. In Borno alone, approximately 15,000 people are experiencing famine-like conditions. Child malnutrition rates have reached alarming levels in states such as Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

Currently, around one million people in Nigeria rely on assistance from the WFP. However, due to funding cuts, the organization had to scale back nutrition programs in July, impacting over 300,000 children. The WFP has issued a warning that it will deplete its funds for emergency food and nutrition aid by December 2025, primarily due to decreased foreign aid from countries such as the United States and other contributors.

Without new financial support, millions in northeastern Nigeria are likely to face starvation and food shortages in 2026. The hunger crisis is escalating rapidly, necessitating urgent measures to avert further suffering and fatalities.