64,000 Nigerians Run to Niger Republic to Escape Killings and Attacks

(UNHCR. Photo Credit: The Sun Nigeria)
Since January 2026, about 64,000 Nigerians have run away from their home into neighboring Niger Republic because of violent attacks by armed gangs and Islamist militants according to the UN refugee agency UNHCR.

In a briefing on Tuesday, it warned of a growing humanitarian crisis in Niger, which already hosts more than 500,000 refugees and asylum seekers.

About 327,500 Nigerians are now in Niger, and several hundred more have gone to Benin Republic.

Most of the new arrivals have settled in Diffa in the southeast and Tahoua in the west.

About 1,200 crossed into Diffa and 3,400 into Tahoua in October alone.

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

Many families are living in makeshift shelters without enough food, clean water or medical care.

Some women walk several kilometres each day to fetch water, and aid groups have reported rising malnutrition, chest infections and poor sanitation.

UNHCR also said only about five per cent of this year's arrivals have been formally registered, making it hard for them to get aid or public services.

UNHCR thanked Niger's government and host communities for land allocated for temporary shelters.

It is appealing for $11.4 million to expand its work in Niger, Nigeria and Benin, including $2 million for urgent needs such as food, water, shelter, healthcare and registration.