Health facilities supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in northeast Nigeria have recorded an 18 per cent increase in malnutrition cases between January and September 2026, raising concerns over the worsening food and nutrition situation in the region.
The number of malnutrition cases treated at six health centres and four hospitals supported by the humanitarian organisation rose from approximately 17,000 during the first nine months of 2025 to nearly 20,000 in the corresponding period of 2026.
Young children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are among the most affected by the growing crisis, which has been linked to prolonged armed conflict, climate shocks and economic hardship.
According to the ICRC, the increase was particularly pronounced in Mubi, Adamawa State, where admissions rose by nearly 24 per cent, from about 4,600 cases between January and September 2025 to approximately 5,700 in the same period this year.
At the Mubi Stabilization Centre, mothers continue to bring their children for nutritional assessments and treatment, with some struggling to provide adequate food and healthcare for their families.
One of them, Zulaihatu Mohammed, who brought her six-month-old twin daughter, Huseina, for a routine collection of supplementary food, said the child had experienced health challenges since birth.
“When I gave birth to them, this one was tiny,” she said, explaining that the child had continued to experience health problems.
The ICRC said the situation reflects the difficulties confronting families across northeast Nigeria, where insecurity, environmental challenges and rising economic pressures have undermined livelihoods and limited access to nutritious food.
Farmers have also been affected by insecurity, with explosive devices making some agricultural lands dangerous to access.
Saminu Samiyu Ijaduwa, a farmer, said the risks associated with travelling to distant farmlands had forced him to cultivate only a small plot close to his home.
“Due to the conflict, going one kilometre out of town to farm could be highly risky. You might not return!” he said.
The disruption of farming activities and access to markets has further worsened food insecurity, leaving vulnerable households struggling to meet their nutritional needs.
To address the situation, the ICRC, in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, supports 15 primary healthcare centres and four hospitals, assists more than 200 communities in treating malnutrition and implements programmes aimed at strengthening household food security.
The interventions include distributing seeds adapted to drought and flooding, promoting crop diversification and educating mothers on preparing nutritious meals from locally available ingredients.
One of the initiatives involves Tom Brown, a nutritious blend of sorghum, millet, soybeans, groundnuts and moringa, which the organisation said has helped more than 13,000 young children recover from moderate acute malnutrition.
Mothers are also taught how to prepare the mixture themselves to ensure they can continue providing nutritious meals for their children at home.
The worsening situation comes amid broader concerns about hunger across Nigeria, where the effects of 15 years of conflict have contributed to persistent food insecurity.
According to United Nations analysis cited by the ICRC, more than 34 million people in Nigeria are expected to face insufficient food supplies in 2026, representing the highest projected figure in six years.
The report also identifies Nigeria among the world's hunger hotspots of highest concern, alongside Sudan, Yemen, Somalia and Gaza.
The ICRC continues to provide humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected communities, working with Red Cross and Red Crescent partners to protect vulnerable populations, support healthcare services and help families affected by armed violence.
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