Mapping of Conflict Displacement Camps in North East Nigeria Using Remote Sensing

The Boko Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria has displaced millions of people into internally displaced persons camps across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. This study maps the spatial extent and population density of selected IDP camps in Borno State using very high-resolution Maxar satellite imagery and GIS analysis. Camp boundaries are digitised from imagery acquired in 2022, and shelter density metrics are computed to estimate camp population using an established dwelling unit to population ratio. NDVI values within and around camps are compared to detect vegetation loss attributable to fuelwood collection and land clearing. Water point locations from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs database are overlaid on camp maps to assess service coverage. Results identify three camps with critical water access deficits serving over 12,000 displaced persons. The study provides spatial data for humanitarian coordination among agencies including UNHCR, NRC, and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency. Keywords: IDP camps, remote sensing, displacement, Borno State, humanitarian mapping