UNHCR reveals nearly 64,000 Nigerians have fled to Niger over worsening insecurity

UNHCR says nearly 64,000 Nigerians have fled to Niger this year to escape violence by militants and armed gangs.

Nearly 64,000 Nigerians have fled to neighbouring Niger Republic since the start of 2026 to escape violence by Islamist militants and armed gangs, Vanguard reports.

In a briefing on Tuesday, the agency said about 327,500 Nigerians are now seeking refuge in Niger, which already hosts more than 500,000 refugees and asylum-seekers.

UNHCR’s Director of External Relations, Dominique Hyde, said most of the new arrivals had settled in the Diffa and Tahoua border regions.

More than 23,000 people, over two-thirds of them children, have arrived in Diffa this year.

Many live in makeshift shelters without adequate food, clean water or healthcare, with rising cases of malnutrition and respiratory infections.

Only about five per cent of this year’s arrivals have been registered, limiting their access to aid and public services.

UNHCR is seeking $11.4 million to expand its response in Niger, Nigeria and Benin, including $2 million for urgent food, water, shelter and healthcare.