In 2023, the levels of acute food insecurity in northeastern Nigeria were comparable to those reported during the peak of the crisis in 2016/17. Ongoing conflict, flooding and high food prices are impacting vulnerable households’ agricultural livelihoods, hampering food production. During this year’s lean season (June–August 2024), 1 in 4 people in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states are likely to be acutely food insecure. Emergency agricultural interventions must scale up urgently to increase food availability, access and incomes in the worst affected rural areas.