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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Must ReadTunde Ayeni, former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc and a businessman, has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC in Abuja. He is being held at the commission's facility in connection with alleged money laundering, misappropriation, and diversion of funds totaling N36.54 billion and $30 million. The arrest follows an EFCC investigation into the alleged misappropriation and diversion of funds obtained from Polaris Bank through various entities linked to Ayeni. These funds were reportedly secured as loans for specific investment projects, including marine security activities, an electricity distribution contract, and estate development. However, investigations indicate that the loans were allegedly diverted to the NITEL/MTEL asset acquisition via a NATCOM account. The EFCC is currently investigating 12 companies reportedly linked to Ayeni, which were allegedly used to obtain these loans from Polaris Bank. An EFCC source stated that these loans, described as depositors' funds, were fraudulently obtained and used for various purposes. Ayeni is expected to be arraigned following the conclusion of investigations. EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest but did not provide further details.
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Must ReadThe Oyo State Government has confirmed five cases of Lassa fever, resulting in one death, and has activated emergency response measures to contain the outbreak. Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the state Commissioner for Health, announced that confirmed cases are being managed at designated isolation and treatment facilities, including the state Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, and the University College Hospital isolation unit. The government has initiated a coordinated multi-sectoral intervention in line with national and global guidelines, activating the Incident Management System and Emergency Operations Centre. A multi-sectoral response team comprising officials from health, environment, agriculture, and information sectors has been established. Surveillance has been intensified, including active case searches and monitoring of over 200 identified contacts. Isolation centers are operational, and essential drugs like Ribavirin have been prepositioned. Infection prevention and control measures have been strengthened, with personal protective equipment provided and safe burial protocols implemented. Environmental sanitation, fumigation, and decontamination of affected areas are ongoing, alongside continuous training for healthcare workers. Residents are urged to adhere to preventive measures such as proper food storage, maintaining clean environments, avoiding contact with rodents, and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms. Suspected cases should be reported immediately
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