Nigeria's Growing Hunger Crisis: What's Really Going On?

Nigeria is in a tough spot right now. Hunger is at an all-time high, and it's not just because of bad weather or poor harvests. The main issue is the rise in violence and attacks from different militant groups. This violence is making it super hard for people to grow and get food, especially in the northern parts of the country. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) just shared some worrying news. They think nearly 35 million people in Nigeria could go hungry in 2026. That's the highest number they've ever recorded. The WFP is also running out of money. They might not have any left by December, which means a lot of people who rely on their help could be in big trouble next year. So, who's causing all this trouble? Groups like ISWAP and JNIM are behind many of the attacks. They've been striking in the northeast, making things even worse for people who are already struggling. Just recently, ISWAP fighters killed a high-ranking military officer, and armed bandits kidnapped over 300 students from a Catholic school. These kinds of attacks are making life really difficult for people in the north. Farmers are getting hit the hardest. In states like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, nearly 6 million people don't have enough food. And in Borno, about 15, 000 people might face famine-like conditions. Kids are suffering the most from malnutrition, especially in places like Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara. Right now, almost a million people in the northeast depend on WFP for food. But because of money problems, the WFP had to cut back on some of its programs in July. More than 300, 000 kids are affected by these cuts. In areas where clinics had to close, malnutrition levels went from bad to worse in just a few months. The U. S. used to be the biggest supporter of the WFP, but they've cut back on foreign aid. Other countries have also reduced their help. This means the WFP might not have enough money to keep helping people in Nigeria next year.