The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has highlighted the displacement crisis in Nigeria’s North-East as one of the world’s most complex, impacting over 2.3 million people.
Laurent de Boeck, the Nigerian Chief of Mission for IOM, raised concerns in Maiduguri through a new report titled “Intention Survey: Voices of Internally Displaced Persons in North East Nigeria.”
He attributed the massive displacement to violence and the actions of non-state armed groups, as well as inter-communal clashes.
De Boeck also pointed out that climate change and environmental degradation have exacerbated the displacement in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
“Since the crisis began, IOM has been crucial in collecting and analyzing data through the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). The DTM supports decision-makers and responders in providing both emergency humanitarian aid and longer-term solutions,” stated Boeck.
He explained that the data is used to disseminate critical information on the mobility, vulnerabilities, and needs of displaced and mobile populations.
The report surveyed over 25,000 displaced families across 107 local councils and 837 wards in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states between November 16 and December 18, 2023.
The findings showed that 38 percent of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps, camp-like settings, and host communities prefer to integrate within the host communities.
De Boeck recommended stronger collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations to support the return and reintegration of displaced persons.