Nigeria Refugee Numbers Surge 36 Percent
Nigeria's refugee crisis has worsened, with the number of Nigerians living as refugees abroad rising by 36 per cent to 478,150 in six years. This increase is despite major destination countries introducing tougher immigration laws.
478,150 Nigerians now live as refugees abroad
The primary driver of this surge is forced flight from violence and insecurity. Neighbouring countries have recognized Nigerians fleeing conflict as refugees on a group basis.
The International Organisation for Migration estimates that over 3.6 million Nigerians are internally displaced, a pool from which cross-border refugees emerge. The development places Nigeria in the same league as the world's most troubled and war-torn nations that account for the highest refugee populations globally.
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