Nigeria: Responding to the needs of people affected by armed conflict in 2017

Mothers displaced by conflict hold their children as they wait for food to be distributed at a camp outside Maiduguri, Nigeria. Photo: Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin

Decades of armed conflict continue to contribute to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nigeria. The violence in the north-east, spilling over to neighbouring countries, has led to massive internal displacement. Millions have been left vulnerable due to the rising instability.

The ICRC continues working with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) and community volunteers towards ensuring that the most basic needs are met. In the past few month of 2017, we have been providing food, health care and improved access to clean water to people affected by armed conflict. Our teams have also been visiting people detained in relation to conflict. We have also witnessed successful efforts at disseminating information on IHL and IHRL.

Highlights of our work in Nigeria between January and March 2017.

	Provided food for 286,000 people in the north-east and Middle Belt regions.
	130,000 patients attended 23 ICRC-supported primary health care centres and 3 mobile clinics.
	1,880 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition received treatment.
	89,000 displaced persons got access to clean water.
	Built 4,000 emergency shelters serving almost 24,000 displaced persons.
	Visited 17,000 detainees to assess their treatment and living conditions.
	Over 1,600 army and police personnel increased their knowledge of IHL and IHRL.