Northeast Nigeria Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) - Rapid Need Assessment Report – Kukawa Local Government Area, Boron State, Nigeria - 19 December 2025

Introduction:

Kukawa Local Government Area (LGA) is located in the northern part of Borno State, Nigeria, bordering Lake Chad and lying close to the international border with Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. The LGA has an estimated population of 116,890 people and includes major towns such as Baga and Cross Kauwa, with Baga historically recognized as a key fishing port on Lake Chad

Since 2009, the Kukawa LGA has been severely impacted by the Boko Haram insurgency and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The conflict has led to massive displacement, with thousands fleeing attacks, abductions, and destruction of infrastructure. By 2014-2015, towns like Baga and Kukawa were hotspots for massacres, including the infamous Baga massacre, where hundreds were killed by Boko Haram. 2009- 2014: Rise of Boko Haram, leading to initial displacements. 2015 – 2020: ISWAP splinter and intensified lake-based attacks, displacing over 200,000 from Kukawa alone. 2021 – 2023: Government-led camp shutdowns forced premature returns, exacerbating vulnerabilities.

In response to these conditions, the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) conducted a Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) to identify the current humanitarian situation in Kukawa LGA. The objective of this assessment is to provide an evidence-based overview of priority needs and gaps, enabling humanitarian partners to plan and implement imely, coordinated interventions to address urgent needs and mitigate protection risks.