Northeast Nigeria Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) - Rapid Need Assessment Report – Attack in Rann, Kala Balge LGA, Borno State, Nigeria June 2025

1. Background

Rann, the administrative center of Kala Balge Local Government Area (LGA) in Borno State, has been experiencing persistent humanitarian challenges due to conflict-induced displacement since the escalation of violence in October 2018, compounded by recurrent climate change-induced displacements. The affected populations were originally displaced from the 10 wards of Kala Balge LGA and have since settled in four main IDP camps within Rann Ward. These include Boarding Primary School Camp, General Hospital Camp, Klagaru 1, 2 & 3 Camps, and the Ajari/ Bulamari host community, collectively hosting an estimated 10,880 households. (IOM DTM Round 49, Nigeria - Subnational Administrative Boundaries | Humanitarian Dataset | HDX).

In June 2024, heavy rainfall triggered significant flooding across Kala Balge LGA, compounding the already dare humanitarian situation in Kala Balge LGA. According to a Multisectoral Needs Assessment led by GOAL Prime and RRM over 1,500 households were displaced. A subsequent flooding event in November 2024, caused by the release of water from a dam in Cameroon, led to displacing 1,509 household further eroding already fragile situation.

On 13 May 2025 another attack was launched on Rann, reportedly involving drones attributed to suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters. The assault led to additional civilian and military casualties, the destruction of the military barracks, and widespread fear of renewed violence. In the aftermath, the military and many civilians, including humanitarian staff, were forced to flee neighboring Ngala LGA and Cameroon. Following the security situation improvement a portion of the displaced population has since returned (