The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has revealed that more than 24,000 people have gone missing in Nigeria since 2015, with over half of them being children at the time of their disappearance. The alarming figures have sparked calls for urgent government action to address insecurity and locate the missing individuals.
According to the ICRC’s report, the majority of the missing persons are from Nigeria’s northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe—regions heavily affected by insurgency and violence. Patrick Youssef, the ICRC’s Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the severity of the crisis, noting that the issue extends beyond Nigeria.
Across Africa, the Red Cross reported that 71,000 people remain missing due to conflicts, natural disasters, and migration since June 2023—a staggering 75% increase from the 40,078 cases recorded in 2019.
In response, Nigerian authorities say they are intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity and locate missing persons. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has directed security agencies to identify and secure the release of those missing, ensuring their reunification with families. Additionally, African nations are forming alliances and joint task forces to address regional security challenges, including the growing crisis of disappearances.
As families continue to search for their loved ones, pressure mounts on governments to prioritize security measures and humanitarian interventions to prevent further tragedies.
