Several hundred people have also fled to Benin as jihadist insurgencies, armed banditry and farmer-herder conflicts continue to uproot communities across northern Nigeria.
Before the latest arrivals, Niger was already hosting more than 500 000 refugees and asylum-seekers, including approximately 327 500 Nigerians.
Around 1 200 people crossed into the Diffa region during October, while another 3 400 entered Tahoua.
The UN refugee agency said conditions were particularly severe in Diffa, which recorded more than 70% of Niger’s reported security incidents during 2026.
Drought and irregular rainfall have also damaged farms and pastureland, increasing pressure on displaced people and host communities.
Grain production is expected to be insufficient in about 700 of Diffa’s 1 000 villages, while approximately 70% of pastureland has been lost.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said newly arrived refugees, including many children, faced shortages of food, clean water and adequate shelter.
Women were walking several kilometres to collect water, while poor hygiene and makeshift accommodation had contributed to widespread respiratory infections.
Only about 5% of Nigerian refugees who arrived in Niger during 2026 had been registered because of funding shortages.
The agency said refugees without documentation faced additional barriers to humanitarian assistance and essential services.
Education remained another concern because some locations lacked schools or transitional classes for children accustomed to Nigeria’s English-language education system. Hausa is Niger’s sole official language.
UNHCR External Relations Director Dominique Hyde praised Niger’s authorities and host communities for making land available for temporary shelters despite limited resources.
The agency said local capacity was becoming increasingly strained as arrivals continued.
UNHCR is seeking $11.4 million to expand emergency and longer-term assistance in Niger, Nigeria and Benin.
The appeal includes $2 million for immediate needs involving water, food, shelter, healthcare, registration and protection.
“Without additional resources, thousands of vulnerable families risk being left without essential assistance and protection as displacement continues,” Hyde said.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
