Food market in northern Nigeria Nigeria: Hundreds of people kidnapped in the north amid rising insurgency activity Human rights
The UN is calling on Nigerian authorities to investigate a wave of kidnappings in a country where attacks by rebel groups are on the rise. According to the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), at least 402 people, mostly schoolchildren, have been abducted since November 17 in four states in the central and northern region of the country – Niger, Kebbi, Kwara and Borno. It is reported that only 88 people were released or were able to escape from captivity.
Call for Justice
“We are shocked by the recent surge in mass abductions in central and northern Nigeria,” OHCHR spokesman Tameen Al-Hitan said in Geneva. “We call on Nigerian authorities at all levels to take legal action to ensure that such heinous attacks are stopped and those responsible are brought to justice.” security
A rise in insurgent attacks is threatening stability in the region and triggering famine, the World Food Program (WFP) has warned.
Nearly 35 million people are projected to face severe food shortages during the 2026 seasonal shortages from June to June, according to the latest data. August. This is the highest rate ever recorded in the country.
Since the beginning of the year, rebel attacks have intensified, the UN notes. The al-Qaeda-linked Jamaat Nusra al-Islam wal Muslimeen reportedly carried out its first attack in Nigeria last month, while the Islamic State in West Africa Province group is seeking to expand its influence throughout the Sahel region.
“Local residents are in a very difficult situation due to repeated attacks and economic difficulties,” said a WFP representative in Nigeria. David Stevenson. “If we fail to feed families and prevent food shortages from worsening, growing desperation could increase instability. Rebel groups are using hunger to expand their influence, creating a security threat that extends far beyond West Africa.”
Millions at risk
Northern Nigeria is facing its worst food crisis in a decade, according to the WFP. Farming communities are hit the hardest.
Nearly six million people are projected to face hunger in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in 2026. Fifteen thousand Borno residents are at risk of catastrophic famine or near famine.
The situation is worsening amid funding shortfalls: in July, WFP was forced to cut nutrition programs in the northeast of the country, affecting more than 300,000 children.
WFP warns that resources for emergency food assistance will be limited exhausted in December. This means millions of people will be left without support next year.