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.
For the umpteenth time, Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned about the dangerous implication of using state institutions, particularly the judiciary to destroy Nigeria’s democracy, saying it is an ill-wind that blows nobody any good.
Atiku, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), speaking on the heels of Tuesday’s verdict of the Court of Appeal, halting the de-registration order by the Federal High Court, insisted that judicial officers must not lend themselves to any act capable of undermining the nation’s democratic process.
The appellate court had ordered a stay of execution on the order made on Monday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court Abuja, for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC alongside four other political parties).
A totally scandalised Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja, had taken umbrage, sparing no hard words in upbraiding the lower court judge, stating that his likes were unfit to sit on the bench.
In a unanimous ruling by a three-man panel, the court held that Lifu’s action was “the highest form of judicial impertinence”, stressing that the Supreme Court previously held that a judge who acted in such a manner.
Describing his conduct as the height of judicial rascality, the upper court, stated: “Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court.
“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution.
This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are obeyed. The application for a stay of execution is here yet granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed.”
Atiku, who hailed the position of the higher court, which restored his hope to be on the ballot as presidential candidate in the 2027 election, also noted the role of INEC as “significant.”
He said: “I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to stay the execution of the Federal High Court judgement seeking the deregistration of our great party, the ADC, and four other political parties. It is particularly significant that INEC itself initiated the application for the stay.
“The development reflects growing public concern over judicial contradictions and politically charged rulings within the judiciary. “Any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s hard-won democracy through judicial manipulation is a grave danger to the Republic. If our democracy suffers further injury, history will demand accountability from those entrusted with dispensing justice.
Outside ADC, Lifu’s order, also included: Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), similarly slammed for allegedly failing to meet the constitutional requirements for continued registration and participation in elections.
“He is running in contempt of the court. Justice Lifu should be arrested because he is acting in contempt of the court which is a criminal act,” were the exact words with which the African Democratic Congress (ADC), demonstrated its angst over the court ruling on Monday, ordering its de-registration as a political party in Nigeria.
A furious Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesman of the party, told his host while appearing as a guest on Monday’s edition of Politics Today, a public affairs programme on Channels Television that the judge of the Abuja Federal High Court who gave the order was actually playing with fire because of the consequences.
Directly accusing him of playing the script of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to ensure that President Bola Tinubu emerged the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election, the party spokesman, was emphatic that the plan would not work, as head or tail, ADC must be on the ballot in all the elections.
Hear him: “There is a Court of Appeal order saying don’t hear this case until October 27. So, on what basis? You can’t place something on nothing. The Court of Appeal said don’t act on this until I hear it on October 27. So, on what basis did he deliver the judgement
“So, for us in the African Democratic Congress, what we’re convinced and they know is what they have done has no leg to stand on legally. What they want to do is to create doubts in the minds of the people that this ADC has too many legal cases, can we actually run on this? And to distract us. But we’re not distracted.
“We’re very clear. It was in spite of all they have done since ADC came on board that we ran one of the best and one of the most comprehensive direct primaries in the history of democracy in Nigeria. So, we are strong enough to withstand this. And that’s why I’m saying that we are going to contest in 2027. We’re ADC. We don’t buckle before dictatorship.”
Stressing on the implication of the judgement, which also affected Accord Party (AP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for allegedly failing to meet constitutional and electoral performance requirements, following a suit by the National Forum of Former Legislators, he said it portended grave danger.
He added: “We are not surprised. We know that the Nigerian people believe that there is a problem with the judiciary, but what we did not expect is the level of judicial rascality that was demonstrated today.
“What we are saying is that we reject it in its totality, and we are saying that the people behind this are playing with fire. Hundreds, if not thousands, have obtained nomination forms and contested elections and emerged as candidates on the platform of the ADC.”
Peter Obi, candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), in the 2027 presidential election, is peeved at the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordering the de-registration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the move is a heavy blow and dangerous to Nigeria’s democracy.
Justice Peter Lifu, who made the order, based on an action brought by National Forum of Former Legislators, agreed that the parties, including Accord Party (AP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), failed to meet the requirement for continued existence in Nigeria.
But Obi, who left the ADC coalition to join the NDC, incidentally, based on what he explained resulted from the multiple court cases hanging on its neck, expressed his disenchantment, in a statement by the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), on Monday.
Signed by Ibrahim Umar, its spokesman, the group quoted the former Governor of Anambra State as decrying the growing damage to the nation’s sacred institutions on the altar of politics.
Stressing that the rise of nations depended on stronger institutions devoid of political influences, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, wrote on his X platform: “When the controversy surrounding the removal of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, unfolded, I expressed a concern to a friend: that the greatest damage might not be immediate, but the message it sends about the sanctity and independence of our institutions to the world.
“Strong economies are built on trust. Investors can manage security risks, policy risks, and even market risks. What they fear most is uncertainty in the rule of law and a judiciary that is perceived to be vulnerable to political pressure.
“Today, many Nigerians have lost confidence in systems that should protect them. Businesses increasingly request that their contracts be governed by foreign jurisdictions because they have greater confidence in those institutions than in our own. That should concern every patriot.
“We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals. The Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties is just one of those activities that further reduces the common man’s trust in our legal systems. It should be reversed.
“I pledge that we will restore the dignity, independence, and integrity of the judiciary. The common man must have a voice. The business community must be protected from legal uncertainty and intimidation. Justice must be impartial, accessible, and respected by all. To our judges, legal luminaries, senior advocates, and lawyers: this is your moment. Rise, defend the rule of law, take back your country! A new Nigeria is POssible.”
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