Nigeria, OCHA, Secondment HA Protection Officer

Following the aggravation of the clashes between pro-governmental forces and the extremist group Boko Haram, about 620’000 persons have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, while 2.15 million relocated among camps or host families within Nigeria in dire conditions and receiving little assistance. With Boko Haram group still operative in northern Borno State, the rural towns and villages throughout the state have been the target of attacks, suicide bombings, and IED explosions carried out by the insurgents, leading residents to flee from 22 of the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.

Though Boko Haram activity has also reached the metropolitan area of Maiduguri, the city has been secured through efforts by the MNJTF leading many IDPs to settle within the confines of the city.

With no possibility to negotiate with BH in order to obtain access to vulnerable rural areas, most humanitarian activities are compelled to remain within Maiduguri.

Government and multinational task force successfully pushed the insurgents out of much of their claimed territory since 2015 and several areas have been since reclaimed to the armed group (Bama, Banki).

However, as of august 2016, Boko Haram has maintained its stronghold in the Sambisa forest and continues to carry out near daily attacks in the area and neighbouring countries, making outreach humanitarian activities highly insecure ventures.

Increased coordination between humanitarian response actors is deemed necessary to ensure safe access and action in recently opened areas.

Vulnerable persons in Borno State benefit of a better coordinated humanitarian reponse and protection issues are made a transversal interest

Vulnerable populations (IDPS and host families in Borno State)

OCHA: National office, Borno Sub-Office

OCHA coordination platforms: SMT, HCT

IASC coordination platforms: food security, Protection working groups, etc.

Enhanced coordination allows safe and adequate humanitarian activites implementation in Borno state

A better knowledge of the context allows Switzerland to adapt its programme portfolio accordingly

Expected results:  

An expert of the Swiss Humanitarian Corps is secondeed to OCHA

organizations contracted by SDC (ICRC, UNHCR, WFP, ACF, IRC, INSO, UNHAS)

Embassy of Switzerland in Abuja

Government of Nigeria counterparts, Borno State authorities, LGA authorities, etc.

Phase 1 01.09.2016 - 28.02.2017   (Completed)