from EMEKA OKONKWO in Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – GROWING instability across northern Nigeria is driving hunger to unprecedented levels.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has raised concern following the release of the latest Cadre Harmonisé, a regional food security analysis that classifies the severity of hunger.
The report established that nearly 35 million people are projected to face severe food insecurity during the 2026 lean season, the highest number recorded in Nigeria.
“Communities are under severe pressure from repeated attacks and economic stress,” said David Stevenson, WFP country director and representative in Nigeria.
“If we can’t keep families fed and food insecurity at bay, growing desperation could fuel increased instability with insurgent groups exploiting hunger to expand their influence, creating a security threat that extends across West Africa and beyond.”
Attacks by insurgent groups in Nigeria have intensified throughout 2025.
Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an al-Qaeda affiliate, reportedly carried out its first attack in Nigeria last month.
Meanwhile, the insurgent group Islamic State in West Africa Province is said to be pursuing its expansion across the Sahel.
These groups, and kidnap gangs have also abducted scores of teachers, scholars and worshippers.
Despite soaring needs, WFP fears it will run out of resources for emergency food and nutrition assistance in December.
Without urgent funding, millions will be left without vital support in 2026, risking more instability and deepening the crisis.
– CAJ News