Assessment of Demographic Characteristics of IDPs in Borno State

The internal displacement crisis in Borno State represents the largest demographic disruption in North East Nigeria, and systematic characterisation of the displaced population's profile is foundational for humanitarian and recovery programming. This study assessed demographic characteristics and immediate welfare needs of internally displaced persons in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Areas, Borno State. A cross-sectional survey of 380 IDP households in four registered camps and host communities collected data on age-sex composition, household headship, origin zone, duration of displacement, household size, educational levels, and current welfare status. Female-headed households constituted 48.6 percent. Children under 15 represented 52.3 percent of the IDP population. Most IDPs originated from southern Borno LGAs (Gwoza, Chibok, Dikwa). Duration of displacement averaged 4.2 years. Severe food insecurity affected 71.3 percent. School attendance among IDP children was 44.7 percent. Recommendations include strengthening IDP civil documentation, durable solutions programming linked to security, establishing a Borno State IDP data registry, and scaling education and nutrition interventions proportional to the demographic composition of the displaced population.

Keywords: internally displaced persons, Borno State, demographic characteristics, conflict, humanitarian response These findings confirm the urgency of strengthening IDP data systems, education provision, and nutrition programming in Borno State's displacement crisis. Scaling education, health, and nutrition services proportional to the demographic profile of displaced households remains essential.