Over 3.7 Million Nigerians Displaced, Nearly 4,000 Camps Established Amid Persistent Insecurity
Nigeria’s prolonged insecurity crisis has forced about 3,725,593 people from their homes, with displaced citizens now living across nearly 3,900 camps and settlements nationwide.
Figures compiled from the International Organisation for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix, the National Bureau of Statistics, humanitarian agencies, and government officials indicate that the number is only an estimate, as displacement patterns frequently change due to ongoing conflicts.
The large-scale displacement has been fueled by insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, farmer–herder clashes in the North-Central, and communal conflicts in parts of southern Nigeria.
According to United Nations population estimates, the number of displaced Nigerians is greater than the total population of at least 63 countries with fewer than 3.7 million people. Nations with smaller populations include Uruguay (3.4 million), Jamaica (2.8 million), Qatar (2.7 million), Namibia (2.6 million), and Botswana (2.6 million).
Displacement Camps Become a Permanent Reality
Across several northern states, camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) have become a long-term feature of the landscape, creating conditions often associated with wartime environments.
Despite operating under a democratic system, many communities continue to experience attacks from terrorists, bandits, armed herders, cattle rustlers, and kidnappers, forcing residents to abandon their homes, farms, and livelihoods.
As a result, hundreds of camps have emerged, sheltering thousands of citizens who were uprooted by violence.
Borno and Yobe Reduce Camp Numbers
In the early years of the Boko Haram insurgency, Borno and Yobe states had the highest number of IDP camps. However, both states have significantly reduced the camps through resettlement programmes.
In Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum has overseen the closure of many camps and the return of displaced residents to their communities. Currently, Madinnatu camp in Jere Local Government Area remains the only fully operational camp.
A recent attack in Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area forced authorities to open a temporary camp near Pulka after more than 3,000 residents fled and over 300 people, mainly women and children, were abducted.
During a visit to the camp, Governor Zulum expressed sympathy to the affected residents and assured them of government support, including food distribution and the establishment of central cooking points to provide meals for displaced families.
In neighbouring Yobe State, Governor Mai Mala Buni has closed all officially designated camps following the resettlement of displaced persons back to their communities.
Zamfara Records Over 276,000 Displaced Persons
Zamfara State has recorded 276,887 internally displaced persons as of March 2026, mainly due to persistent bandit attacks that have overrun 107 villages since 2009.
Many victims fled to Gusau, the state capital, for safety. Data from the Zamfara State Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management shows that about 75 percent of the displaced residents have experienced multiple displacements, while only 18 percent live in formal camps.
Major camps include Tsunami, Mareri, Lalan, Premier, Tudun Wada, Unguwar Gwaza, and Anka, alongside dozens of host communities.
Benue Hosts More Than Half a Million IDPs
Benue State is among the worst affected, hosting over 500,000 displaced persons, according to the International Organization for Migration.
The state operates 14 officially recognised camps. The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Aondowase Kunde, said the government is moving beyond emergency relief to long-term solutions such as resettlement and reintegration.
Authorities have begun constructing 60 permanent two-bedroom houses in Yelewata community, with plans to build 5,700 homes for displaced families. In addition, 600 hectares of farmland have been allocated to farming cooperatives formed by IDPs.
Other States Also Affected
In Taraba State, about 90,000 displaced persons are sheltered in eight camps in Takum Local Government Area, while others have fled to neighbouring communities in Benue.
Kebbi State reported that it currently has no active IDP camps, as displaced residents have been resettled following improved security.
In Kwara State, a federal government-built camp in Patigi Local Government Area has never been used, as the state government prefers to assist victims through relief support rather than establishing camps.
Nasarawa State operates five camps, including a major facility in Ugya, Toto Local Government Area, while Plateau State has thousands of displaced residents living mainly with relatives rather than in formal camps.
Meanwhile, Adamawa State shut down its official camps in 2014, allowing communities and humanitarian organisations to manage shelters for displaced residents.
In Sokoto State, the Ramen Kura camp in the state capital currently houses over 2,500 displaced persons, mostly women and children who fled terrorist attacks.
Nationwide Displacement Figures
Across Nigeria’s 36 states, the estimated number of displaced persons includes: Borno (1,711,481), Benue (500,182), Zamfara (276,887), Katsina (244,839), Adamawa (218,118), Yobe (155,030), Sokoto (117,568), Kaduna (117,541), Taraba (101,834), Bauchi (66,489), Plateau (62,357), and Gombe (52,383).
Smaller numbers are also recorded in several other states, reflecting the nationwide impact of insecurity on communities and livelihoods.
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