Nigeria: Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states - Situation Report, 5 February 2026

Highlights

  • Humanitarian partners with endorsement of the Government of Nigeria launch urgent appeal for US$516 million to provide lifesaving support to 2.5 million people in BAY States in 2026.
  • Over 1.6 million people reached with humanitarian assistance across the BAY states in 2025.
  • Nigeria’s National Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction holds first meeting; seeks to drive unified humanitarian and poverty reduction efforts.
  • Borno State facilitates the voluntary repatriation of over 3,000 refugees from Cameroon.
  • Multiple fire outbreaks in IDP camps displace hundreds across Borno and Yobe States.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Humanitarian partners launch urgent appeal for US$516 million to provide lifesaving support to 2.5 million people in BAY States in 2026

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall launched a $516 million appeal on 22 January to address the most critical humanitarian needs of 2.5 million people in the BAY states in north-east Nigeria. Women and children account for eight out of every ten people in immediate need. The event was attended by a representative of the Federal Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard M. Doro.

The appeal, through Nigeria’s 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), came amid escalating needs in the BAY States. This is due to the 16-year conflict in the states, which has been compounded by widespread displacement, limited access to basic services, climate shocks, economic hardship and shrinking livelihood opportunities.

Humanitarian needs are dramatically worsening at a time when international funding for humanitarian operations is at its steepest decline.

In 2026, nearly 3 million children under five in Nigeria are projected to suffer from life-threatening severe acute malnutrition, 1 million of them in the BAY states. Additionally, 35 million Nigerians are likely to face acute food insecurity during the 2026 lean season, including 5.8 million people in the BAY states. The 2026 HNRP also underscores a transition to strengthen national leadership and national-resourced humanitarian action, with the gradual phasing-out of international support. A successful transition will depend on a strong partnership between the Government and the humanitarian community.

Speaking at the launch, Federal Minister Doro said that the Government “will continue to provide policy direction, coordination, leadership and systems alignment, ensuring that humanitarian efforts complement broader national reforms aimed at reducing poverty, strengthening human capital and building resilient communities.”

The Governors of the BAY states, Professor Babagana Zulum (Borno), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), in their goodwill messages, also reiterated their commitment to strengthened collaboration with humanitarian partners to deliver urgent assistance and advance durable solutions.

Funding for the 2025 HNRP amounted to $282 million, half of what was received in 2024, resulting in a significant drop in humanitarian assistance. In 2026, additional resources, including increased Government investment, are urgently needed to provide lifesaving food, nutrition, healthcare, water, sanitation and protection services. Improved security is essential to reduce risks to civilians and create conditions for durable solutions in the BAY States.