Nigeria is facing a security crisis. Extreme violence, mass kidnappings and deepening food insecurity has created what the UN has called the country’s worst emergency in a decade.

Recent weeks have seen a spate of high profile mass kidnappings, including 300 schoolgirls and teachers from Niger state.

Security officials now fear these pupils could be used as human shields to deter a military intervention being threatened by the United States.

At the same time, aid is being slashed, and extremist groups and criminal gangs have disrupted food supplies - leaving 35 million people projected to face “severe food insecurity” next year.

This week, Arthur and Venetia speak to Chi Lael, Head of Communications for the World Food Programme in Nigeria to get a clearer picture of the crisis.

Plus Global Health Reporter Lilia Sebouai explains how tensions have worsened since she visited the area last year.

Producer: Sophie O'Sullivan

Executive Producer: Louisa Wells

Studio Operator: Meghan Searle

► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor

Contact us with feedback or ideas:

[email protected]

@venetiarainey

@ascottgeddes

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.