Assessment of the Impact of Insecurity on Freight Transport Operations in the North East Nigeria

Prolonged insecurity in North East Nigeria has disrupted transport and logistics operations, imposing severe economic costs on businesses, traders, and communities across the region. This study assesses the impact of insecurity on freight transport operations in the North East, with particular focus on Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. A descriptive survey design was adopted, collecting data from 130 freight transporters, logistics company managers, and market traders through structured questionnaires and telephone interviews, given fieldwork access limitations. The study evaluates route closures, cost escalation, delivery reliability, driver safety perceptions, and alternative logistics strategies adopted in response to the security environment. Findings reveal that over 55 percent of sampled freight operators have discontinued services on previously active routes due to security threats. Insurance costs for vehicles operating in the region have increased by over 150 percent since 2021, and convoy-based movement, which significantly extends delivery time, is now the norm for most operators. The study also documents widespread adoption of air freight for high-value, time-sensitive goods as a security-driven modal shift. Recommendations include government-facilitated security escorts for commercial freight, the development of regional logistics hubs in secure areas, and investment in economic normalisation programmes to rebuild supply chain confidence. These findings are critical for humanitarian logistics planners, state governments, and private sector transport operators in the North East. Keywords: freight transport, insecurity, North East Nigeria, supply chain disruption, logistics risk.