The United Nations World Food Programme warned that the number of Nigerians facing severe food insecurity could rise to 35 million in 2026, an increase of 4 million from this year, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.

The surge comes as northern regions grapple with escalating instability, including a sharp rise in attacks, while funding shortfalls limit the WFP’s ability to deliver assistance. “Growing instability across northern Nigeria, including a surge in attacks, is driving hunger to levels never seen before,” the agency said.

Conflict remains concentrated in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, where nearly 6 million people are projected to experience crisis-level hunger or worse between June and August next year. In Borno alone, around 15,000 people could face famine-like conditions.

Recent security incidents, including three mass kidnappings last week, have drawn attention from international partners. US President Donald Trump has criticised the Nigerian government’s response to attacks on Christians and threatened to cut economic aid if action is not taken. Aid reductions from the US and other Western nations have already forced the WFP and other relief agencies to scale back support across the country.

The WFP warned that despite soaring needs, it is expected to run out of resources for emergency food and nutrition assistance by December, adding that without urgent funding, millions would be left without vital support.