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 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.
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