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Non-state armed groups killings, looting and kidnappings in Nigeria’s North-Western States have forced 70,000 people to take refuge in Maradi region, Niger over the past two years.
In September 2019, UNHCR opened a sub-office in Maradi to coordinate, assistance provision, including registration, protection, health, housing, access to WASH services and education.
A key feature of the response is the relocation of refugees in villages of opportunity, away from the border, to ensure their safety. For now, 8,000 have been relocated.
Context
Since September 2018, non-state armed groups (NSAG) activities have forced 70,000 refugees to flee to Maradi region, Niger. In addition, their repeated incursions on Nigerien soil have triggered the internal displacement of over 23,000 people.
UNHCR response in Maradi focuses on the relocation of refugees away from the border to ensure their safety and ease the pressure on host communities in the border strip. Refugee sites have been built nearby rural villages. Services such as water adduction, health and education are provided to both refugees and host communities. For now, three villages of opportunity host a total of 7,966 refugees and 4,400 more should be relocated by the end of the year. A fourth site has been identified and will open soon.