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Struggling to survive — The hidden victims of Nigeria’s conflict
Struggling to survive — The hidden victims of Nigeria’s conflict
By Dr. Kelechi Onyemaobi
Ngala, Borno state: In northeast Nigeria, we find malnutrition rates are the highest among those who manage to escape conflict-hit, inaccessible locations in search of refuge in largertowns, where they receive food and nutritional support from the United Nations World Food programme (WFP).
Despite her best efforts, 19-year-old Yasa is unable to feed her crying daughter, Aisha. Barely 40 days-old, Aisha is suffering from acute malnutrition. Yasa is also malnourished, and she has stopped producing breast milk.
We meet Yasa sitting with a small group of women and children beneath a tree. They are all new arrivals at Arabic Camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The mood among the women is sombre – the weight of their experiences too heavy to speak aloud.
The camp sits on the edge of Ngala-Gomboru, a town five kilometres from the Cameroonian border in Borno state. Since 2016, Ngala has been home to a growing population of IDPs, now estimated at over 100,000 people. They have sought refuge here, fleeing from the long-running conflict in Northeast Nigeria between government forces and non-state armed actors.
Many of the newly arrived families, like Yasa and her daughter, have managed to escape from areas inaccessible to humanitarian actors. Fear and hunger have driven them from their homes. Yasa walked more than 50 kilometres from her village in Dime to find safety.
People across Northeast Nigeria bear the greatest burden of this 15-year conflict. According the latest food security analysis, Cadre Harmonise, 5 million people face acute food insecurity in the coming months and 2.6 million children are malnutrition in the region.
Yasa tells us that at least four people recently died from hunger in Dime. Determined to survive, she decided her only option was to escape and head towards Ngala.
“A lot of people are starving at home. They’re trapped in Dime,and there is no food to eat. I would eat wild seeds and grass. Sometimes, I would follow a trail of soldier ants, then dig up their nest to find a small mound of millet or sorghum seeds. This is how I survived,” says Yasa.
On arriving at Arabic Camp three weeks ago, Care International, who partner with WFP in Ngala, quickly arranged for her to be included in the nutrition programme. Yasa now receives rations of super cereal, fortified with extra vitamins and minerals. Carealso referred Aisha to the camp clinic for more specialist emergency care.
In Ngala more than 22,000 children receiving nutrition assistance provided under WFP’s preventative nutrition programme – supported by donors including the European Union. New arrivals at the camp, particularly malnourishedwomen and children, are immediately enrolled into the programme and receive targeted nutritional support.
“Presently, we have 116 cases of severe malnutrition which we referred for emergency treatment at clinics. We have enrolled about 280 moderate cases among new IDPs into the WFP nutrition safety net,” says Care’s Nutrition Assistant in Ngala.
“We fear a silent disaster is unfolding in some remote areas,” explains Chi Lael, Head of Communications at WFP in Nigeria. “Gaining safe and unhindered access to these stranded communities to assess their needs is one of our top priorities”.
20-year-old Ata recently arrived in Ngala, having fled from her home in the village of Soloba, in Cameroon. For the past two weeks she has been receiving supplementary food from WFP. The super cereal she receives has helped to bring her four-month-old daughter, Ramata, back from the brink of starvation.
“When I first arrived in the camp, I was so weak I could barely feed my child”, says Ata. “Now my milk has returned and I am breastfeeding again. Ramata is getting stronger every day”.
Struggling to survive — The hidden victims of Nigeria’s conflict
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims during a routine patrol in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources said the operation took place at about 7:01 p.m. on April 30 when troops of 12 Brigade deployed at Okoloke Patrol Base intercepted suspected kidnappers at Ejiba community.
The sources disclosed that the troops acted swiftly, forcing the suspects to abandon their victims.
According to the sources, the two kidnapped persons were successfully rescued and later reunited with their families.
They added that security patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa following mounting concerns over a fresh wave of anti-foreigner protests and reported attacks targeting Nigerian citizens and their businesses.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the envoy is expected at its headquarters in Abuja on Monday, May 4, 2026, where Nigerian authorities will formally register their strong displeasure over developments seen as threatening the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between both countries.
At the heart of the meeting are recent demonstrations by various groups in South Africa, which have reportedly degenerated into harassment, violence, and destruction of foreign-owned businesses—many belonging to Nigerians. The incidents have triggered widespread anger among Nigerians, amid fears for the safety of thousands living and working in South Africa.
Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa on Saturday said the government is deeply worried about the implications of the unrest on bilateral relations, stressing that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad while pursuing diplomatic solutions.
Despite the rising tension, the Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain calm, assuring that steps are being taken at the highest diplomatic levels to address the situation and ensure the safety and dignity of its nationals.
Nigeria and South Africa share one of Africa’s most strategic bilateral relationships, rooted in a history of solidarity dating back to Nigeria’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle. However, relations have repeatedly come under strain due to recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Notably, major incidents in 2008, 2015, and 2019 saw widespread attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, leading to deaths, looting, and destruction of properties. The 2019 crisis, in particular, sparked a diplomatic row, with Nigeria recalling its High Commissioner and boycotting the World Economic Forum on Africa 2019 in protest.
In response to past crises, both countries established diplomatic mechanisms, including an early warning system and joint consular forums, aimed at preventing further violence and protecting citizens. Despite these measures, sporadic tensions and anti-immigrant sentiments have persisted, often fueled by local grievances over unemployment and crime.
Analysts warned that the current developments, if not swiftly contained, could once again test diplomatic ties between Africa’s two largest economies and undermine regional integration efforts under frameworks such as the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting is therefore seen as crucial in determining whether both nations can de-escalate tensions and reaffirm their commitment to mutual respect, cooperation, and the protection of citizens on both sides.
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
Troops Rescue Injured Victim After Attack by Berom militia in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have rescued a civilian who sustained machete injuries following an attack by Berom militia along Bachi–Werreng Road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on May 1 when suspected criminals attacked the victim along the road.
The sources disclosed that troops of Sector 6, deployed at Bachi, swiftly responded to a distress call and moved to the scene.
According to the sources, the attackers fled upon the arrival of the troops, abandoning the injured victim.
They added that the victim, who sustained machete cuts, was immediately evacuated to a hospital in Rachi for medical treatment.
The sources further said the assailants carted away the victim’s motorcycle during the attack.
They noted that security patrols have been intensified in the area, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
Troops Rescue Injured Victim After Attack by Berom militia in Plateau
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
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