Emergency response in Nigeria

On May 26th, 2024, DRC Nigeria distributed essential items to 16,760 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kaura-Namoda town, Zamfara. With support from ECHO (EUROPEAN CIVIL PROTECTION AND HUMANITARIAN AID OPERATIONS) and in collaboration with local partner Asattahir, 4,190 displaced households from Zurmi and Kaura Namoda LGAs received shelter repair kits, hygiene kits, and non-food items, including blankets, sleeping mats, jerry cans, and cooking tools. The majority of these households fled increased violence in the Zurmi area, seeking safety in Kaura-Namoda.

This emergency response intervention is part of the Danish Refugee Council's broader strategy to expand into Northwest Nigeria, following the degrading humanitarian situation and conflict-induced displacement across the region.

Northwest Nigeria has been severely impacted by banditry, kidnapping, food insecurity, displacement, and extreme weather events, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

In 2023, DRC conducted comprehensive humanitarian needs and access assessments in Zamfara and Sokoto states, resulting in increased emergency response assistance to displaced populations across Tangaza, Sokoto South, and Gusau LGAs.

The latest distribution took place at the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) in Kaura-Namoda, chosen for its central and secure location. With the support of DRC, partner organization Asattahir profiled and selected the most vulnerable households.

The distribution was successfully rolled out in the presence of community leaders, members of the State Emergency Management Agency, and local authorities.