The IOM Nigeria DTM Report 49 indicates 2,252,348 IDPs in northeast Nigeria with a slight decrease since last assessment. Meanwhile, returnees have increased to 2,129,325 individuals, showing a positive trend towards repatriation despite ongoing challenges in access and reports of higher actual displacement figures.
The Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Report 49 from IOM Nigeria covers assessments conducted from October to November 2024, detailing the situation in the northeast geopolitical zone, which includes Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states. Notably affected by ongoing conflict, these states have become vital areas for humanitarian assessments.
The report identifies 2,252,348 internally displaced persons (IDPs) across 465,935 households, marking a minor decline of 0.1 percent from the previous assessment. Compared to Round 48 in September 2024, where 2,255,595 IDPs were noted, there is a reduction of 3,247 individuals, indicating a slow but steady trend in IDP numbers over the last year.
However, certain local government areas (LGAs) such as Kukawa, Kala/Balge, and Guzamala in Borno State remain largely inaccessible for humanitarian actors. As the number of IDPs has risen since Round 25 (October 2018), it suggests that the actual displacement figures may be significantly underreported due to accessibility issues.
During this round, assessments took place in 2,254 locations, encompassing 259 camps and camp-like settlements alongside 1,995 locations where IDPs reside within host communities. The objective was to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of displacement in the affected regions.
The report also recorded 2,129,325 returnees, an increase of 18,848 individuals or more than one percent compared with Round 48’s figure of 2,110,477. This reflects a positive trend as a greater number of individuals are returning to their places of origin in the BAY states (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe) despite the slight decrease in IDP figures.
In summary, the IOM Nigeria Displacement Tracking Matrix Report 49 reveals a small decrease in the number of IDPs in northeast Nigeria alongside a notable increase in returnees. As humanitarian access remains restricted in key areas, actual displacement numbers may be higher than reported. These findings indicate ongoing challenges while also highlighting a trend towards repatriation for some IDPs.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
