IOM Nigeria Displacement Report Round 49: Trends in IDPs and Returnees

The IOM Nigeria Displacement Tracking Matrix Round 49 report reveals that 2,252,348 IDPs were identified in northeastern Nigeria, marking a slight decrease of 0.1 percent since the previous round. Conversely, the number of returnees has increased by 18,848 individuals (over one percent). The report also notes accessibility challenges in certain LGAs since 2018, indicating that actual displacement figures could be higher.

The IOM Nigeria Displacement Tracking Matrix has released Round 49 of its Displacement Report, encompassing assessments conducted from October to November 2024, focusing on the six conflict-impacted states in northeastern Nigeria: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. This report highlights critical developments in internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to ongoing conflict in the region.

In this latest assessment, a total of 2,252,348 IDPs were identified in 465,935 households, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.1 percent (or 3,247 individuals) compared to Round 48. The total IDP figure has shown a minimal decline of less than one percent over the past year, indicating a persistent humanitarian crisis in the area.

Particularly concerning are the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kukawa, Kala/Balge, and Guzamala in Borno State, which remain largely unapproachable for humanitarian efforts since October 2018 due to escalating hostilities. Given the continued increase in IDP numbers since Round 25, it is likely that actual figures of displacement are considerably higher than reported.

The assessments during Round 49 were conducted at 2,254 locations across northeastern Nigeria, including 259 camps and camp-like settlements, as well as 1,995 areas where IDPs live among host communities. This comprehensive evaluation aims to capture the complexities of displacement and evolving dynamics within the affected region.

Furthermore, the report reveals that 2,129,325 returnees were recorded during this round, signifying an increase of 18,848 individuals (over one percent) compared to the previous round. This upward trend suggests a growing movement of individuals returning to their places of origin in the BAY states (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe), despite the slight decrease in IDPs over the past year.

The IOM Nigeria Displacement Report Round 49 underscores significant trends in displacement and return within northeastern Nigeria, with a minor decline in IDP numbers juxtaposed against a rise in returnees. The difficulty in assessing certain LGAs highlights the challenges that persist in the conflict-affected areas, suggesting that displacement figures may be underreported. Overall, the dynamics of displacement and return continue to evolve in this critical region, warranting ongoing attention and support from humanitarian actors.

Original Source: reliefweb.int