Nigeria among 10 countries facing severe food insecurity due to conflict
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
A new international report, the 2026 Global Report on Food Crises, reveals that Nigeria and nine other conflict-affected countries account for two-thirds of people experiencing acute food insecurity globally. Released by an alliance of UN agencies, the European Union, and partners, the report found that 266 million people across 47 countries faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2025, nearly double the share recorded in 2016. Conflict is identified as the primary driver, affecting over half of those facing severe hunger. The ten countries most affected are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Sudan, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, and Yemen. Famine was confirmed in Gaza and parts of Sudan in 2025, marking the first time two separate famines were recorded in a single year since the report began. The report highlights a ninefold increase in people experiencing catastrophic hunger since 2016, with over 39 million facing emergency levels of food insecurity. Children are particularly vulnerable, with 35.5 million acutely malnourished in 2025, including nearly 10 million suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Forced displacement, affecting over 85 million people in food-crisis contexts last year, further exacerbates the crisis. Despite the escalating crisis, humanitarian and development funding for food and nutrition responses has declined to nearly a decade-ago level. The outlook for 2026 remains bleak due to ongoing
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadVictims from Ngoshe community in Borno State, recently freed after three months in captivity, shared their experiences, including their diet of guinea corn once daily and sleeping on open floors on a mountain. One victim, Khadijat, stated that their release involved no contact or gunfire, with terrorists leading them down the mountain before they made their way to soldiers. She also noted that among those freed were 11 individuals from another community who had been held for seven months. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum visited the 360 freed victims on Monday, announcing the release of funds for the rehabilitation of the Ngoshe community. Zulum praised President Bola Tinubu for his intervention and acknowledged the efforts of various security agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Security, and local security groups. The governor mentioned that a total of 434 individuals had been released, including those freed two to three weeks prior. He confirmed that millions of naira have been released for Ngoshe's rehabilitation, with work nearing completion, and discussions are ongoing with the Nigerian military to ensure a safe return for residents. Zulum also directed the distribution of relief materials to the released individuals.
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has publicly disassociated itself from any organization or individual whose teachings promote division, hatred, extremism, intolerance, or any ideology contrary to the Qur'an and Sunnah in Nigeria. In a statement signed by leading Islamic scholars and clerics across the South-West, including the President of the League and Chief Imam of Ekiti State, Jamiu Kewulere, the League clarified that such entities cannot speak on its behalf. The statement also addressed recent security concerns, including the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. The League emphasized that it does not recognize, authorize, or affiliate with any individuals or groups parading themselves as an extension or representative body of the League established in 1964, whose teachings contradict authentic Islamic principles of moderation and centrism. The League reaffirmed its commitment to Islamic unity, peaceful coexistence, and moral guidance, urging Muslims and the public to verify information through recognized leadership structures.
Must ReadMrs. Rachael Alamu, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Oyo State, released a video pleading with Nigerians not to politicize their situation. She clarified that her abductors have not demanded Sharia law or a ransom of N1 billion, contrary to reports. Mrs. Alamu stated that the kidnappers' sole request is the release of some of their people. She urged the government to negotiate for their release and asked Nigerians to circulate her video to counter misinformation. Mrs. Alamu and over 40 pupils and teachers were kidnapped on Friday, May 15, 2026, during an attack on schools in the Oriire Local Government Area.