UN says millions on the verge of hunger in Nigeria

About 4.4 million people in northeastern Nigeria may face acute hunger because of the attacks by Boko Haram militant group that have displaced farmers, the UN has said.

The area has suffered decades of insecurity and the UN says this could lead to food insecurity.

The loss of livelihoods because of the violence and the coronavirus pandemic has also been cited.

The authorities in Nigeria should collaborate with humanitarian organisations to prevent the food shortage, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria Edward Kallon said.

Farmers in northeast Nigeria have been targeted in the insurgency.

The army has been carrying out operations against militants.