Thousands of civilians killed by armed group in Nigeria’s North-East in 2023 – UN

The United Nations reported that over 4,500 civilians were killed in conflict-related violence in North East Nigeria in 2023.

This information was provided by David Lubari Lominyo, Head of the UN sub-office in Damaturu, Yobe State, during a press briefing on World Humanitarian Day. The data was drawn from the 2024 UN Secretary-General’s report on civilian protection in armed conflict. Lominyo highlighted that ongoing violence and indiscriminate attacks by armed groups continue to threaten civilian safety, affecting the security, humanitarian, socio-economic, and political situation in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. He noted that the crisis endangers 230,000 children due to severe malnutrition and called for increased funding for the lean season response. Lominyo also pointed out that malnutrition and insecurity are preventing farmers from working, worsening the situation.

He urged all conflict parties to stop the violence, protect civilian infrastructure, and stressed the need for a collective effort to address the humanitarian crisis and safeguard affected communities, especially vulnerable children.