News
Terrorists on rampage! Close to four million Nigerians now in IDP camps
Some 3,725,593 are currently living in 3,900 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Nigeria, indicating how bad the security situation in the country, currently on the upscale, has become.
Vanguard is reporting that the country is paying a heavy price for years now over the protracted cases of insecurity sweeping citizens from their homes into the camps, where they feel more protected from the terrorists ravaging their villages.
Relying on data compiled from the International Organisation for Migration Displacement Tracking Matrix, the National Bureau of Statistics, and humanitarian agencies and government officials showed that the figure is only an estimate, as displacement patterns change frequently, the report says.
The crisis has largely been driven by insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, farmer–herder conflicts in the North-Central, and communal clashes in parts of the South.
Nigeria’s 3.726 million displaced population is larger than the population of at least 63 countries whose populations are under 3.7 million, according to United Nations population estimates.
Among countries with fewer than 3.7 million people are Uruguay (3.4m), Jamaica (2.8m), Qatar (2.7m), Namibia (2.6m) and Botswana (2.6m).
Across several northern states, the construction and maintenance of IDP camps have become a permanent feature, resembling conditions usually associated with wartime.
Although Nigeria operates a democratic system, many communities face realities akin to conflict zones, as persistent attacks continue to uproot families and destroy livelihoods.
Entire communities have been forced out of their ancestral homes due to repeated attacks by terrorists, bandits, killer herdsmen, cattle rustlers and kidnappers, who invade villages, destroy farms and abduct residents.
The result is the emergence of hundreds of displacement camps and thousands of homeless citizens who were forced out of their homes through no fault of theirs.
The situation in Borno and Yobe states, which had the largest number of IDP camps, seems to have improved with significant decline following resettlement programmes by the two state governments, while Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno is said to have systematically shut down many camps and resettled residents in their communities.
Currently, only the Madinnatu camp in Jere Local Government Area remains functional, according to report, .
However, the report indicates, adding however that a recent attack in Ngoshe community in Gwoza LGA forced the authorities to open a temporary camp near Pulka to accommodate thousands of displaced residents.
More than 3,000 residents fled Ngoshe, while over 300 civilians, mostly women and children, were abducted during the attack.
Addressing displaced persons during a visit to the Pulka camp, Governor Zulum said: “We are here to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe who lost their loved ones, following the unfortunate incident that occurred last Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy.
“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community.
“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen.”
Meanwhile, in Yobe State, under Governor Mai Mala Buni, all officially designated camps have been closed after displaced residents were resettled in their communities.
Zamfara hosts 276,887 IDPs in 9 camps
In Zamfara State, more than 276,000 residents have been displaced by persistent bandit attacks.
Reports indicate that at least 107 villages were overrun by bandits between 2009 and 2026, forcing thousands to flee to Gusau, the state capital.
Data from the Zamfara State Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management showed that 276,887 IDPs were recorded as of March 2026.
Of this number, about 75 per cent have experienced multiple displacement, while only 18 per cent live in formal camps.
Major camps include Tsunami, Mareri, Lalan, Premier, Tudun Wada, Unguwar Gwaza and Anka camps, alongside 46 host community locations.
According to Malam Sani Aminu, an official in charge of food supplies at the Tsunami camp, the state government provides food items such as maize, millet and sorghum.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Salisu Musa Tsafe, said the number had reduced by about 89,000 as security improved, allowing some residents to return home.
Benue home to over 500,000 IDPs
According to the International Organization for Migration, Benue State hosts over 500,000 internally displaced persons, making it one of the worst-hit states.
The state currently operates 14 officially recognised camps.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Aondowase Kunde, said the government of Governor Hyacinth Alia was shifting from emergency relief to a long-term solution.
“The government is transitioning from temporary relief to a durable solutions framework, focussing on voluntary return, resettlement and reintegration.”
Authorities have begun building 60 permanent two-bedroom houses in Yelewata community, with plans to construct 5,700 homes for displaced residents.
Additionally, 600 hectares of farmland have been allocated to IDP farming cooperatives to promote self-reliance.
90,000 displaced in Taraba camps
In Taraba State, about 90,000 displaced persons are currently sheltered in eight camps located in Peva and Kufai Ahmadu in Chanchanji Ward of Takum LGA.
Many others have crossed into neighbouring communities in Benue State for safety. The crisis prompted a joint visit by Governors Agbu Kefas and Hyacinth Alia to affected communities.
However, investigations revealed that many camps lack basic amenities.
Justin Tyopuusu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy, said the government was working to restore security so displaced residents could return home before the rainy season.
Kebbi shuts camps, resettles displaced residents
On its part, Kebbi State government said it currently had no active IDP camps, following successful resettlement of displaced residents, the activities of terror group, Lakurawa, notwithstanding.
Special Adviser on Communications, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, said camps previously located in Kebbi South were closed after security improved.
“We have been able to contain ceaseless attacks on our communities as joint armed forces patrols pushed back the terrorists,” he said.
He added that Governor Nasir Idris provided housing, food, clothing and medical support for the affected communities.
Kwara’s sole camp remains unused
In Kwara State, the only IDP camp established by the federal government in Patigi Local Government Area has never been used.
The North-Central Coordinator of the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hajia Jumai Ahmed, expressed surprise at the development.
“Yes, there is an IDP camp established by the Federal Government at Patigi, but it has never been put to use,” she said.
Sources said Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq preferred assisting victims directly through relief support and rehabilitation, rather than establishing camps.
The Director-General of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Ben Akwash, said the state had five IDP camps, including the major camp at Ugya in Toto LGA.
Other locations include Kadarko and Giza in Keana LGA, Agyragu in Lafia LGA, and Doma in Doma LGA.
He explained that population figures fluctuate, depending on the level of communal clashes.
Thousands displaced in Plateau
In Plateau State, relentless attacks across the state have displaced thousands of residents. Communities in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom, Jos South, Kanam and Wase have suffered repeated attacks.
Unlike other states, most displaced residents in Plateau live with relatives, rather than in formal camps, a system that preserves social ties but strains host families.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has also launched a task force to facilitate the safe return of displaced residents. The government has also begun a housing project in Ribakwa village in Bassa LGA to resettle affected families.
Adamawa camps run by communities
In Adamawa State, the government closed all official camps as far back as 2014, allowing communities to run their own shelters.
Camps currently operate in Malkohi, Labondo, Bole, Fufore and Sangere Marghi, relying largely on NGOs, religious organisations and philanthropists for support.
Many displaced residents now depend on farming, trade and small businesses for survival.
In Sokoto State, the government established a major IDP camp at Ramen Kura, within the state capital. The camp currently shelters over 2,500 displaced persons, mostly women and children, who fled terrorists’ attacks.
Officials said the camp was created as an emergency response to a surge in displacement from Gandi, Tureta, Goronyo and Gudu LGAs.
Although authorities provide food, water, healthcare and sanitation services, overcrowding and limited resources remain major challenges.
Estimated displaced persons in 36 states; Abia – 1,000; Adamawa -218,118; Akwa Ibom – 2,000; Anambra -1,500; Bauchi -66,489; Bayelsa -1,000; Benue – 500,182; Borno – 1,711,481; Cross River – 3,000; Delta -1,000; Ebonyi – 1,000; Edo -2,000; Ekiti – 500; Enugu – 500; Gombe – 52,383; and Imo – 1,000.
The wives of the five engineers allegedly murdered in Ebonyi State yesterday rejected the comments attributed to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, on the development, describing it as an attempt to “sweep the truth under the carpet”. The group renewed calls for an independent reinvestigation into the case.
Nelson Onyemeh, Ernest Edeani, Ikechukwu Ejiofor, Samuel Aneke, and Stanley Nwazulum were reportedly kidnapped in November 2021 while supervising construction work on the Abakaliki Ring Road project.
The protesting women, whose husbands were consultants with NELAN Engineering firm, accused authorities of inconsistencies, interference, and a possible cover-up in the handling of the case, which dates back to November 3, 2021.
In a statement, Mrs. Patricia Onyemeh, Mrs. Lovette Edeani, Mrs. Ifeoma Ejiofor, Mrs. Esther Aneke, and Mrs. Nwazulum faulted Umahi’s claim that the engineers were victims of a communal crisis, as they insisted no such conflict occurred at the time.
They said: “The characterisation of the disappearance of the five engineers as a consequence of communal crisis is completely outrageous, misconceived, and flawed.” The engineers, according to the families, travelled to Ebonyi for an official meeting linked to the African Development Bank-funded ring road project when Umahi was governor.
They said: “Credible accounts indicate that our husbands were last seen in connection with official engagements tied to the Ebonyi Ring Road project. “This raises serious questions as to whether the incident can be fairly reduced to communal violence.”
They further alleged that while investigations were ongoing, Umahi announced that the engineers had been killed and buried, a move they said raised “serious suspicions”. The women said: “This announcement by a sitting governor, while security agencies were still tracking movements, raises grave concerns.”
The women also questioned the sudden removal of a Department of State Services (DSS) investigator, Victor Onyesom, who was reportedly handling the case.
They further accused the police of presenting unidentified skeletal remains to the families without conducting DNA tests. The group said: “The police claimed the remains were those of our husbands, but refused DNA testing.
You risk getting into trouble if you by any means, join in spreading the rumour that Tony O. Elumelu, because it is manifestly false, United Bank for Africa, one of the establishments of the popular Nigerian business mogul, warned on Monday.
Against the backdrop of rumours spreading across the social media, the bank rejected the claims as fake and damaging, saying at no time did the industrialist and Chairman of the Heirs Holdings, divorce his wife, Awele Vivien Elumelu.
The bank, in a statement, which also described the story as also defamatory, and malicious publication, the statement said: “These statements and all similar content are entirely fabricated, reckless, and without basis. The claims are a deliberate falsehood designed to mislead the public and cause reputational harm.”
Stressing that the matter had been reported to law enforcement authorities, the statement, signed by Alero Ladipo, confirmed that three people linked to the publication had been arrested.
Naming those involved in spreading the rumour as Mr Kingsley Akunemeihe (@Directorkem), Mr Chigozie Success Ihebom, and Mr John Surpruchi Nwanorue (@problemchimky), the bank informed that investigations were ongoing and could lead to more arrests and prosecutions.
The statement added: “Investigations are ongoing and are expected to lead to further arrests and prosecutions of all persons involved in originating, amplifying, or sustaining this defamatory campaign. This serves as a formal notice to all individuals, platforms, and entities involved in the publication, reposting, or continued dissemination of this content to immediately cease and desist.
“Failure to comply will result in the initiation of legal proceedings, including claims for defamation, injunctive relief, damages, and any other remedies available under applicable law.
“The UBA Group is resolute in protecting the reputation, privacy, and integrity of our brand, that of Mr. Elumelu and will pursue all necessary legal avenues — civil and criminal — to ensure that all responsible parties are identified and held accountable.”
Abdulrahman Mohammad, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), belonging to the camp of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), all but scoffed at the 13-member Interim National Working Committee (INWC), raised by the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) as a non-event.
In a statement, shortly after the committee was announced by Adolphus Wabara, PDP BoT Chairman, Mohammed dismissed claims upon which the body rested its decision after its 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC), describing the development as illegitimate and misleading.
The embattled party boss, who conveyed his position through, Jungudo Mohammed, spokesman of the camp, said: “The PDP wishes to categorically state that no such meeting was convened by the leadership of the party. Consequently, any resolutions, announcements, or claims emanating from that gathering are null, void, and of no effect.”
Stressing the irony in individuals he claimed previously opposed the idea of a caretaker committee, now embracing it, he said every NEC meeting must be preceded with due notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission to be valied.
Hear him: “Even if, for the sake of argument, they possessed the legal authority to convene such a meeting (which they do not), they have once again failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
“Specifically, the mandatory requirement to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a minimum of 21 days’ notice for such a meeting was blatantly ignored. There is no evidence of compliance, nor was INEC in attendance as required by law. This alone renders their actions null and void.”
Mohammed questioned the authority of the BoT, a mere advisory body to raise the 13-man committee led by Taminu Turaki, saying such a move ran against the grains of the PDP constitution, urging relevant regulatory bodies to examine the conduct of those involved, particularly members of the senior bar.
Describing the development as part of a pattern, the party said the alleged NEC meeting was a continuation of earlier failed attempts to create confusion within its ranks.
His words: “We therefore call on all party members, stakeholders, and the general public to completely disregard this illegitimate assembly and its outcomes. It has no constitutional basis, no legal standing, and no binding authority whatsoever.
“The PDP remains committed to upholding its constitution, the rule of law, and democratic principles under the able leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammad and Senator Samuel N. Anyawu.”
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