In the shadow of the ongoing conflict and devastating floods, hope quietly found its way into homes and hearts across Borno State in 2024. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), working closely with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), extended a lifeline to hundreds of thousands, many of whom have known nothing but hardship for years.
From performing life-saving surgeries to building shelters, from feeding malnourished children to reconnecting separated families, the ICRC’s work this past year was not just about numbers—it was about restoring dignity, offering comfort, and helping people reclaim their lives.
Healing the wounds of war
At the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri, 2,786 surgeries were carried out for people injured by weapons. These weren’t just patients—they were parents, children, and young people whose lives were upended by violence.
For those caught in the crossfire, ICRC helped them receive months of physiotherapy—one of the 4,496 sessions provided last year to help 351 patients recover physically and emotionally.
In total, over 278,000 medical consultations were recorded across ICRC-supported health centres, where staff also helped bring 8,282 new lives into the world through safe deliveries.
Supporting mothers and children
Behind these numbers are women who had no access to antenatal care before finding help at a Red Cross-supported clinic. Nearly 70,000 women received antenatal services in 2024.
The fight against malnutrition also remained a top priority:
53,282 pregnant and lactating women were screened.
19,456, or about one in three, needed urgent treatment.
A total of 74,221 children under five were assessed, with over 7,600 referred for further care.
Minds in recovery, not just bodies
Trauma runs deeper than wounds. The ICRC provided direct mental health and psychosocial support to over 3,600 individuals. For people who lost contact with their loved ones years ago, a group counselling session helped them begin to process their grief.
In total:
1,410 families of missing persons received emotional support.
172 professionals were trained to help others carry the invisible burdens of trauma.
Restoring livelihoods and food security
While some families healed, others began to rebuild. Farmers received seeds and tools, part of the ICRC’s support to 57,000 people involved in agriculture. For herders and pastoralists, nearly 745,000 animals were vaccinated—a vital step in protecting livelihoods.
In places like Monguno and Bama, 2,544 people received small grants and financial training to restart their businesses. And during one of the harshest lean seasons in recent memory, 46,842 people were given emergency food assistance.
Clean water and a place to call home
One of the most significant quiet revolutions was in access to clean water. Thanks to upgrades in the Alhamduri water project, 150,000 people in Maiduguri now drink from safe, clean sources. And in flood-prone communities, thousands benefited from solar-powered water systems and hygiene campaigns.
For those who had lost everything, 14,268 people received new shelter, while over 13,000 gained access to new latrines, improving dignity and sanitation.
When the floods came: A rapid response
When Maiduguri was hit by devastating floods in September, Red Cross volunteers were among the first on the ground.
4,511 households were provided with essential items.
243,991 healthcare consultations were conducted—over 100,000 of them for children under five.
750 people received mental health support during those difficult weeks.
Reuniting families, rebuilding trust
In perhaps the most touching moments of the year, seven unaccompanied minors were reunited with their families after years of separation. Each reunion was a story of resilience—a reminder that even amid war, love finds a way.
Looking ahead with courage
None of this would have been possible without the commitment of thousands of volunteers, health workers, and community members who believe in the power of humanity. As the ICRC’s work continues, so too does the determination of Borno’s people to rise again.
