Niger is currently facing a significant forced displacement crisis, impacting more than one million people. Over half of these individuals are internally displaced persons (IDPs), primarily concentrated in two southern regions of the country, both heavily affected by the activities of terrorist groups. The remaining population consists of refugees and asylum seekers. These vulnerable communities are in urgent need of assistance within what is described as a complex operational environment.
The nation accounts for over half a million internally displaced people, with children representing more than 50% of this group and women making up 23%. Recent figures indicate an 8% annual increase in these numbers.
However, the analysis of long-term trends remains challenging, as official data validation by Nigerien authorities occurs irregularly.
Security deterioration drives displacement
Of the nearly 550,000 displaced individuals, 45% are recorded in Tillabéri, a region in southwestern Niger that has experienced a dramatic decline in security. This area has been plagued by frequent attacks targeting both civilians and security forces, leading to widespread displacement and heightened protection risks, particularly in its border zones.
Furthermore, a third of the displaced population resides in the Diffa region, another area under constant pressure from terrorist organizations.
Refugees and asylum seekers find refuge
In addition to the internally displaced, Niger hosts 447,000 refugees and asylum seekers. More than half of this group are children. The majority originate from neighboring Nigeria, with significant numbers also arriving from Mali and Burkina Faso. Their count has risen by 3% over the past year, attributed to ongoing registration efforts.
Across the broader Sahel region, which encompasses Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, a severe humanitarian emergency has unfolded due to a deteriorating security situation. This has resulted in escalating violence against civilians, massive population movements, and a growing food insecurity crisis, as highlighted by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on May 13, 2026, during a press conference at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The nation accounts for over half a million internally displaced people, with children representing more than 50% of this group and women making up 23%. Recent figures indicate an 8% annual increase in these numbers.
However, the analysis of long-term trends remains challenging, as official data validation by Nigerien authorities occurs irregularly.
Security deterioration drives displacement
Of the nearly 550,000 displaced individuals, 45% are recorded in Tillabéri, a region in southwestern Niger that has experienced a dramatic decline in security. This area has been plagued by frequent attacks targeting both civilians and security forces, leading to widespread displacement and heightened protection risks, particularly in its border zones.
Furthermore, a third of the displaced population resides in the Diffa region, another area under constant pressure from terrorist organizations.
Refugees and asylum seekers find refuge
In addition to the internally displaced, Niger hosts 447,000 refugees and asylum seekers. More than half of this group are children. The majority originate from neighboring Nigeria, with significant numbers also arriving from Mali and Burkina Faso. Their count has risen by 3% over the past year, attributed to ongoing registration efforts.
Across the broader Sahel region, which encompasses Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, a severe humanitarian emergency has unfolded due to a deteriorating security situation. This has resulted in escalating violence against civilians, massive population movements, and a growing food insecurity crisis, as highlighted by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on May 13, 2026, during a press conference at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.
