ICRC Reports 17,000 Missing Persons in Nigeria

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is currently tracking 17,000 missing persons in Nigeria, as disclosed by Public Relations Officer Aliyu Dawobe during a meeting with Media Trust officials. The ICRC has extended its operations to Sokoto State due to increasing humanitarian needs in the North-West region.

Communication Officer Usman Kundili stated that Nigeria accounts for a significant portion of the over 248,000 missing persons recorded globally, with the Nigerian figure representing cases where the ICRC maintains contact with families searching for their missing relatives. Many families have endured years of uncertainty regarding their loved ones, leading to severe emotional, psychological, and financial challenges.

The ICRC provides livelihood assistance to affected families, including cash support for small businesses and livestock replacement. Kundili emphasized the need for sustained public attention on the issue and called for adherence to International Humanitarian Law, promoting compliance among armed actors to protect civilians.