Nigeria Faces Security Threats from Health and Food Crises

Nigeria's national security apparatus is grappling with complex threats beyond traditional military concerns, notably the rise of Lassa fever and severe food insecurity. In 2025, Nigeria reported 1,148 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 215 deaths across 22 states, with a case fatality rate increasing to 18.7%.

The spread of the disease, which has affected 20 out of Nigeria's 37 states since 2018, highlights the inadequacies in the healthcare system and the government's ability to protect its citizens. Concurrently, the World Food Programme forecasts that 35 million Nigerians will face acute food insecurity by 2026, driven by economic hardship, high inflation, and climate change.

The northeastern states, particularly Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, are expected to be the hardest hit, with nearly 5.8 million people facing severe food insecurity. This situation illustrates the interconnectedness of health crises and food security as significant threats to national stability.