Nigeria: Conflict and prolonged displacement continue to affect millions of people

A woman in Benue State sits on building materials she received from the ICRC. CC BY-NC-ND / ICRC / Adavize Baiye

In Nigeria's north-east, prolonged displacement caused by the conflict has compounded vulnerabilities and increased dependence on humanitarian assistance for several million people. The cholera outbreak that hit Borno state reportedly affected thousands, most of them displaced by the conflict.

In 2017, the ICRC and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) coordinated efforts and focused on re-hydration in ICRC-supported health clinics, chlorination of water and the promotion of hygiene to control the spread of the disease in Dikwa, Jere, Maiduguri and Monguno. Food scarcity remains a concern, especially in areas of Borno state which remain out of reach for humanitarian agencies due to prevailing insecurity. Our teams continue to raise protection issues of the conflict-affected children, women, and detainees with relevant stakeholders to alleviate their suffering.

Highlights of our work in Nigeria between January and September 2017.

	Almost 400,000 people in the north-east and Middle Belt regions received food rations
	80,000 people received cash to help them start income generating activities
	19,500 babies were delivered at ICRC-supported clinics
	Provided access to clean water for 213,000 displaced persons, returnees, and residents in north-east Nigeria and Middle Belt regions
	Visited 23,500 detainees to monitor and help improve their conditions of detention
	Improved sanitation and hygiene conditions for 109,000 displaced persons in north-east Nigeria