Save the Children warns 36.2 million Nigerians face acute food insecurity in 2026 lean season
via Punch Nigeria11 min read
Save the Children International has warned that approximately 36.2 million Nigerians across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to experience acute food and nutrition insecurity during the ongoing 2026 lean season. The organization highlighted that this worsening humanitarian crisis is driven by conflict, climate shocks, rising food prices, and dwindling global humanitarian funding. Duncan Harvey, Save the Children Nigeria Country Director, stated at the Humanitarian Xchange Abuja 2026 conference that 2 million people are projected to face emergency levels of food insecurity, with over 10,000 in Borno State potentially facing catastrophic conditions. Children and mothers are disproportionately affected, with over 758,000 people in Borno State alone expected to face emergency food insecurity and high malnutrition rates in areas like Mobbar, Nganzai, and Maiduguri. Harvey emphasized the need for stronger coordination among governments, humanitarian organizations, donors, academia, and the private sector to address these growing needs. Pawel Mania, Director of the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, stressed the importance of placing local organizations at the center of humanitarian response, as they possess crucial knowledge and are often the first responders during crises. He also noted Nigeria's significant engagement with the academy's digital learning platform, Kaya Connect, and the potential of AI to strengthen humanitarian action if local voices are incl
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The African Democratic Congress ADC has condemned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC following the arrest of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's personal physician. The party also alleged that ICPC officials assaulted El-Rufai's wife during a hospital visit. According to a statement from ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, El-Rufai was taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, for medical treatment, where doctors reportedly recommended his admission due to his health condition. The ADC claims that ICPC officials insisted on returning him to custody despite this recommendation, leading to a confrontation with his wife and personal physician, during which his wife was allegedly assaulted and the doctor arrested. The ADC accused the ICPC of denying El-Rufai proper medical care, violating his constitutional rights, and engaging in political persecution. The party called on the ICPC to explain the alleged denial of access to El-Rufai's family and physician, and questioned the legal basis for these actions. The ADC further accused President Tinubu of allowing anti-corruption agencies to be used for political intimidation and demanded unrestricted access for El-Rufai to his family, lawyers, and personal doctors, a review of his bail conditions, and an end to what it described as degrading detention conditions. This statement came shortly after the ICPC announced the arrest of El-Rufai's personal physician, Prof. Bello A
Must ReadSuspected extremist attacks in northern Burkina Faso over the weekend resulted in the deaths of at least 22 soldiers and civilian militia members, according to security sources. On Saturday morning, approximately 14 military personnel and seven civilian army volunteers were killed at a military base in Di, near Dedougou. There were also several fatalities reported in Solhan. A police source indicated a third attack occurred on Sunday, targeting a military post in Seguenega, near Kaya. The sources described the assaults as coordinated to inflict significant losses, but stated that a vigorous response led to the neutralization of several dozen terrorists and the recovery of military equipment. Burkina Faso, under a military junta since September 2022, has been engaged in a decade-long conflict against jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, with civilian volunteers assisting in the fight.
Must ReadThe Centre for Crisis Communication CCC has issued a warning that Nigeria's economic stability, national unity, and democratic governance are under threat from escalating insecurity, persistent inflation, food insecurity, disinformation, and growing ethno-religious divisions. This alert was presented in Abuja on Tuesday by the Centre's Chairman, retired Major General Chris Olukolade, during the release of its Second Quarter 2026 National Security and Stability Report. The report highlights a deterioration in Nigeria's security and information environment, particularly in June 2026, noting persistent terrorist attacks, mass kidnappings, violent banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and the resurgence of extremist elements. Olukolade also expressed concern over the unprecedented spread of fake news, manipulated multimedia content, and AI-generated disinformation, which he believes undermines public confidence in state institutions and aggravates social tensions. He warned against the weaponization of ethnic and religious identities by some politicians, especially as the 2027 general elections approach. The CCC recommended that the Federal Government and security agencies strengthen specialized training, improve rescue operations, and adopt intelligence-driven strategies. Olukolade also urged political leaders to promote national cohesion and called for responsible reporting from journalists and social media users. The Centre reiterated its support for the establishment of state poli