West and Central Africa: Latest Events at a glance (30 December 2025 - 5 January 2026)

Cameroon

Food insecurity expected to deteriorate in 2026

Food insecurity in Cameroon is expected to worsen in 2026, despite short-term gains from main harvests, with Crisis (IPC 3) and Emergency (IPC 4) conditions expanding across several regions, according to FEWS NET and the Cadre Harmonisé analysis. In the Far North region, some areas are projected to deteriorate to Crisis between February and May, with some conflict-affected households in Emergency, while Crisis conditions will persist through at least May 2026 in the North-West and South-West due to ongoing crisis, displacement, and market disruptions, with needs peaking during the March-May lean season. The situation is compounded by major funding shortfalls, as the food security sector was only 19 per cent funded as of 2 December 2025. Stressed outcomes are also expected to continue in parts of Adamawa and East regions, driven by high food prices, limited livelihoods and refugee inflows from the Central African Republic.

Mali

New displacement in Djenne District, Mopti

On 20 December 2025, 92 internally displaced households arrived in Mopti from Nouh Bozo village following an air strike on 13 December, reportedly by armed groups. The displaced include 10 separated children and several sick children in need of urgent care. Their village of origin has been under blockade by armed groups for the past eight months. Priority needs include emergency shelter, food, NFIs and health services, particularly for children and pregnant/lactating women. OCHA conducted a field visit and is mobilizing partners for a coordinated response.

Nigeria

Over 70 killed, dozens abducted in Niger State attacks

On 4 January, 42 people were reportedly killed, and an unconfirmed number of people abducted, including children, when non-state armed group (NSAG) members attacked Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, north-central Nigeria. Those affected reportedly included students from Saint Mary’s Catholic School, over 315 people (who have since been released) were reportedly abducted from the same school in a previous incident on 1 November 2025. A day earlier, on 3 January, the Nigerian Police Force confirmed that more than 30 people were killed, an unspecified number abducted, and many still unaccounted for after suspected NSAG members attacked Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. Security authorities have deployed a joint response team to the area to conduct rescue and recovery operations. Niger State has witnessed repeated mass abductions in recent months.

Eight killed in Adamawa State attack

On 29 December, partners reported that eight people were killed in attacks by a non-state armed group on three villages in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The attackers reportedly targeted civilian communities, causing widespread fear and displacement in the affected areas. Security forces were deployed to restore calm and prevent further incursions, while humanitarian partners continue to assess the situation and provide support to those affected.