North-East Nigeria Protection Analysis Update

Displacement remains persistently high in North-East Nigeria, as the conflict between the Government of Nigeria (GoN) and Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) continues in its 13th year with a total of about 2.2 million displaced people in the States of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (‘BAY states’). Significant challenges remain in finding solutions to displacement for the affected population across the BAY states on all internationally recognized benchmarks.

This is especially relevant with the closure of all IDP camps in Maiduguri by the Borno State Government (BSG) and their prioritization of the population’s relocation into Local Government Areas (LGAs), some that remain insecure, without taking the affected population’s informed and voluntary decisions into consideration, as required by international standards. This has led to the affected displaced population continuing to experience specific humanitarian assistance and protection needs and facing serious protection risks, undermining their ability to enjoy their human rights without discrimination.

This Protection Analysis Update focuses on some of the key protection risks identified in the first half of 2023, each of which require immediate attention.

1. Presence of mines and other explosive ordnance
2. Theft, extortion, eviction or destruction of personal property
3. Attacks on civilians
4. Denial of resources, opportunities and assistance.