North East Nigeria Protection Analysis Update

Fourteen years into the conflict, the humanitarian crisis in North East Nigeria remains profound and widespread. Approximately 2.7 million people, 1.8 million IDPs, and 0.9 million returnees are residing in Borno state which is considered as the epicenter of the crisis across the BAY states (Borno, Adamawa and Yobe). The ongoing conflict between the Government of Nigeria (GoN) and Non-State Armed Groups (NSAG), as well as among NSAGs continues to pose serious protection risks for the IDP, refugee/IDP returnees and host populations of Borno.

The search for livelihood opportunities and access to farmlands, especially within Borno state is increasingly becoming  difficult, and endangering the lives of the affected population at the cost of attacks and fatalities. NSAGs illegally stop, attack, abduct, and kill civilians indiscriminately, especially those going about livelihood activities, thereby creating significant protection risks for the affected population that is already experiencing high levels of vulnerability. This makes it difficult for the population to be self-reliant or sustainably re-start their lives, despite their will to do so. Protection partners reported protection incidents of attacks on civilians between 1st January and 29th April 2024, affecting a total of 413 individuals, including 207 attacks on civilians and unlawful killing of IDPs, returnees, and host community members; as well as 206 abductions, kidnappings, and forced disappearance of men and girls and boys.

The protection risks requiring immediate attention in the period covered by this analysis are:

1. Attacks on civilians and other unlawful killings and attacks on civilian infrastructure.
2. Abduction, kidnapping, and forced disappearance.
3. Theft, extorsion, eviction, or destruction of personal property.