In Niger, over a million people have been forcibly displaced, as confirmed by the latest figures released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). More than half of these individuals are internally displaced persons, primarily concentrated in two southern regions grappling with the relentless activities of terrorist groups. The remainder consists of refugees and asylum seekers, all of whom require urgent humanitarian assistance in an increasingly complex security landscape.
The UNHCR’s latest data reveals that Niger now hosts over 500,000 internally displaced persons, with children making up more than half of this population and women accounting for 23%. Notably, these figures represent an 8% annual increase. However, the agency cautions that trend analysis remains constrained due to irregular validation of data by Nigerien authorities.
Rising insecurity fuels displacement in southern Niger
Of the nearly 550,000 internally displaced individuals, 45% are located in the Tillabéri region, in southwestern Niger. This area has experienced a severe deterioration in security, marked by frequent attacks targeting both civilians and security forces, mass displacements, and heightened protection risks—particularly along the country’s borders. Another 33% of displaced persons have sought refuge in Diffa, another region under intense pressure from terrorist activities.
Niger hosts nearly half a million refugees and asylum seekers
In addition to internally displaced persons, Niger is home to 447,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with children comprising over half of this group. The majority originate from Nigeria, followed by Mali and Burkina Faso. Refugee numbers have risen by 3% over the past year, a trend the UNHCR attributes to enhanced registration efforts.
The Sahel region, which includes Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, continues to face a deepening humanitarian emergency. A surge in violence against civilians, large-scale displacements, and worsening food insecurity have created a dire situation. Speaking at a press conference in Addis Ababa, the United Nations Secretary-General underscored the severity of this crisis during a May 2026 meeting of the African Union.
