A new World Food Programme report warns that militant violence and reduced humanitarian funding are pushing northern Nigeria toward “hunger to levels never seen before,” with 35 million people projected to face severe food insecurity by 2026.
The World Food Programme has warned that a surge in militant attacks across northern Nigeria is “driving hunger to levels never seen before,” projecting that 35 million people will face severe hunger in 2026 the worst food insecurity levels recorded in Africa.
The agency says at least 15,000 people in Borno state will face catastrophic, famine-like conditions as the region moves into Phase 5, noting that “northern Nigeria is experiencing the most severe hunger crisis in a decade.” Armed violence has prevented farmers from using their land, while recent mass kidnappings have deepened instability.
The crisis has worsened further due to a massive reduction in U.N. food assistance following U.S. President Donald Trump’s cuts to USAID, with the WFP warning that “without confirmed funding, millions will be left without support in 2026, fueling instability and deepening a crisis that the world cannot afford to ignore.”