August 7, 2025 – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reported that more than 24,000 Nigerians have been officially declared missing over the past decade, with Borno State accounting for the highest number at over 9,000 cases.
This revelation was made during a media briefing held in Abuja, where the ICRC raised concerns about the humanitarian toll of ongoing conflicts and insecurity, particularly in the North-East region. The agency described the statistics as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of armed conflict, displacement, and violence on families and communities.
According to the ICRC, most of the missing persons are victims of the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes. The organisation emphasized the emotional distress faced by thousands of families who have no knowledge of the whereabouts of their loved ones.
ICRC’s Head of Delegation in Nigeria, Yann Bonzon, stated that many of the disappearances involve children, and that the organisation is working closely with the Nigerian Red Cross Society and local authorities to reunite families and maintain a central trace system. He also urged government at all levels to strengthen legal frameworks that protect the rights of missing persons and their families.
The committee called for increased efforts to prevent further disappearances and reiterated its commitment to supporting search operations and providing psychosocial support to affected families.
Borno, the epicenter of Nigeria’s over 15-year insurgency crisis, remains the most affected state, reflecting the continued humanitarian challenge despite military gains against terror groups in the region.