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Northwest IDPs Near 800,000 as Banditry Drives Sharp 22% Surge – Report

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The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria’s Northwest region has risen sharply to nearly 800,000, driven largely by escalating insecurity and banditry across several states, according to new data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The PUNCH reports that IDP figures in the region increased by 143,189 persons within six months, marking a 22 per cent rise between December 2025 and May 2026.

The latest figures, published in the UNHCR Nigeria Forcibly Displaced Populations dashboard, show that the Northwest now hosts 793,534 displaced persons, up from 650,345 recorded in December 2025.

The dashboard is jointly produced by UNHCR and the Federal Government through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, drawing data from registration records, biometric enrolment, field assessments, and contributions from agencies including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the Displacement Tracking Matrix.

Sokoto, Zamfara Drive Surge

Sokoto State recorded the most dramatic increase, with its IDP population more than doubling from 88,562 in February 2026 to 181,526 in March 2026—an increase of 92,964 persons, representing a 105 per cent spike.

Zamfara State, which remains one of the epicentres of banditry, also saw a significant rise, adding 74,648 displaced persons within the period. Its total climbed from 204,576 to 279,224, a 36.5 per cent increase.

Together, Sokoto and Zamfara account for the majority of the displacement surge in the region.

Mixed Trends Across Other States

In contrast, Katsina State recorded a decline in displacement figures, dropping from 235,898 to 206,071 IDPs—a reduction of 29,827 persons, or 12.6 per cent.

Kaduna State, however, saw a modest increase, rising by 4,653 displaced persons from 110,813 to 115,466.

The report also shows that Nigerian refugees from the Northwest registered in neighbouring Niger Republic increased from 258,359 to 268,967 within the same period.

Nationwide Displacement Picture

Across Nigeria, the total number of internally displaced persons now stands at 3,711,314 as of May 2026. The UNHCR estimates that Nigeria accounts for 3.5 per cent of the world’s 117 million forcibly displaced persons.

Banditry and communal violence in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara continue to disrupt farming activities, markets, and access to basic services, displacing nearly 1.4 million people—many of whom now live in host communities.

Rising Violence and Casualties

The increase in displacement follows intensified attacks in the region. In the first half of 2025 alone, at least 2,266 people were killed by insurgents or armed groups, exceeding the total fatalities recorded in 2024.

Broader security data indicates that over 10,217 people have been killed in attacks across Benue, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara states during the first two years of the current administration.

The emergence of armed groups such as Lakurawa, reportedly linked to Islamic State Sahel Province, has further complicated the security situation, with cross-border operations extending into Niger and Mali.

Government Response and Humanitarian Efforts

In response to the crisis, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Northwest Governors’ Forum and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched state-level adoption of the National Policy on IDPs and action plans for Katsina and Zamfara in February 2026.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has also expanded humanitarian operations beyond the Northeast to cover affected Northwest states.

Outlook

Despite ongoing military operations and government assurances, insecurity remains a major driver of displacement in the region. The UNHCR data underscores the continuing humanitarian pressure in the Northwest, where thousands of families remain uprooted amid persistent attacks and instability.

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Police Academy Wudil Gets New Commandant

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By Jabiru Hassan

The Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, has appointed AIG Auwal Musa Muhammad as its 25th Commandant. Muhammad formally assumed office at a ceremony held at the Muhammadu Buhari Parade Ground, attended by senior academy officers, invited guests and representatives of host communities.

In his address, the new commandant pledged to contribute to the development of the institution and prioritise the welfare of staff and students, environmental safety and stronger relations with surrounding communities.

Muhammad said his administration would work to maintain the academy’s reputation and strengthen its capacity to produce competent and professional police officers. “I am here to contribute my quota towards the progress of Police Academy Wudil and ensure that the institution’s good image remains impressive,” he said.

He also assured the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to him and improving the learning environment at the academy.

The commandant urged staff to remain dedicated and diligent, saying their collective efforts would contribute to improved academic and professional standards. He commended his predecessors for their contributions to the development of the institution.

During an interactive session with senior academy officials, Muhammad urged them to uphold discipline, integrity and unity while working to strengthen academic excellence. He thanked staff and others who contributed to the smooth transition and pledged to promote collaboration in achieving the academy’s objectives.

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Nigerian Farmers Commend Gettado’s Leadership of AFAN

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By Jabiru Hassan

Farmers from different parts of Nigeria have expressed support for the leadership of Muhammad Magaji Gettado as National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

The farmers, in a joint statement, passed a vote of confidence in Gettado, saying his leadership had contributed to efforts aimed at improving the agricultural sector and making farming more sustainable and profitable. The statement was signed by Alhaji Sulaiman Umar of Gombe State and Malam Abdullahi Mai Nasara of Katsina.

The farmers described AFAN as a platform for promoting unity among farmers and representing their interests in engagements with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant agencies.They said Gettado’s leadership style had strengthened cooperation among members and promoted greater participation across different categories of farmers.

According to the farmers, his background in agricultural development had informed his approach to addressing challenges facing the sector. They also commended previous AFAN leaders for their contributions to agricultural development and said continuity in efforts to improve farmers’ welfare remained important.

Farmers from the six geopolitical zones also expressed their support for Gettado, pledging to work together to promote food production, economic development and opportunities for farmers.They called for continued collaboration among farmers, government institutions and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting agricultural productivity.

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Kogi Government Commends Foundation for Rebuilding Community Secondary School

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From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Kogi State Government has commended the Henry Adetayo Foundation for reconstructing Community Secondary School, Oke Agi, in Mopamuro Local Government Area, and urged more private organisations to support education infrastructure.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, gave the commendation on Wednesday during an inspection of the reconstructed school.Fanwo described the project, led by Engr. Adebayo Mike Arayegbemi, as a significant investment in the educational development of the community.

He said the state government was allocating more than 30 per cent of its expenditure to education but could not meet every infrastructure need without support from private individuals and organisations.

Fanwo said the government would consider integrating the school into the state’s public education system and directed the Ministry of Education to assess the possibility of taking over its management.

The reconstructed facility comprises nine classroom blocks, four administrative offices, laboratories, a library, a computer laboratory and a hall for external examinations. It also has a solar power installation designed to provide electricity to the school. Fanwo announced a N1.75 million support package in scholarships and communication gadgets for students of the school.

The Danayangun of Oke Agi, HRH Oba Joshua Are, thanked the foundation for the project, which he said was about 99 per cent complete. The school is expected to be officially commissioned later in the year.

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