2025/10/10 by Odedairo, Oluwatobiloba
#Humanitarian Response #Insurgency #Internal Displacement #Migration
paper · doi:10.82265/wydy-e723
In Borno State, the Boko Haram/ ISWAP insurgency led to the massive displacement of persons who subsequently migrated to urban areas in search of safety and livelihoods. This influx resulted in social tensions within host communities due to inadequate infrastructure to cater for the needs of displaced persons, thus necessitating humanitarian response from international humanitarian organisations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This study examined the various interventions of the ICRC to address the basic needs of internally displaced persons in Borno State. A.H. Maslow’s Human Needs Theory and Everett Lee’s Push and Pull Theory of Migration served as frameworks, while the research adopted the case study design. Primary data were collected through participant observation, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), while secondary data were obtained from United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reports, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) periodicals, newspapers and ICRC archives. The migration of millions of displaced persons seeking refuge into urban areas strained infrastructure, intensified insecurity and created socio-economic challenges within host communities in Borno State. Humanitarian responses, led by both national agencies and international organisations, have focused on providing immediate relief to meet the basic needs of those affected; however, minimal efforts have been implemented to further mitigate the adverse effects of the insurgency on internally displaced persons to foster long-term recovery. This study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates conflict resolution and economic support to address the needs of displaced persons in Borno State. By fostering collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and affected communities, Borno State can develop more effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of internal displacement, build resilience of the affected population and enhance post- conflict recovery.