CHALLENGES AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES OF HUMANITARIAN WORKERS IN DELIVERING AID AMID BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY IN BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
Joseph Emmanuel 1, Felix Aromo Ilesanmi 2,
Chinyere Nwadike Alimba 3 & Francis Olajire Awodoyin 4
Center for Peace and Security Studies, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria 1
Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria 2
General Studies Division Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria 3
Department of Education Foundation, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria 4
Corresponding Email: josephemmanuel199000@gmail.com 1
Abstract
This study examined the challenges and mitigation strategies of humanitarian workers in delivering aid amid Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State, Nigeria. The persistent conflict has created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and dependent on aid, while insecurity, logistical barriers, and political constraints continue to hinder effective operations. A convergent mixed-method design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 327 aid workers from registered Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and key-informant interviews with heads of NGOs to triangulate perspectives. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency counts, means, and standard deviations in Statistical Package for Social Sciences, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis in NVivo. Findings revealed that humanitarian workers face significant challenges including frequent Boko Haram attacks, risk of abduction, infrastructural destruction, restricted access to communities, poor coordination with authorities, and limited funding. To mitigate these threats, aid workers adopt strategies such as collaboration with local communities, reliance on armed escorts, use of digital communication platforms, staff training, and implementation of security protocols, though remote monitoring tools were found to be less effective. The study concluded that despite hostile conditions, humanitarian actors demonstrate resilience through adaptive approaches, yet their safety and effectiveness remain constrained by insurgency-related risks. It was recommended that stronger security collaboration between government, military, and humanitarian agencies be established, alongside deeper community-based protection strategies, to ensure sustainable and safe humanitarian access.
Keywords: Aid Delivery, Humanitarian Workers, Challenges, Boko Haram Insurgency, Mitigation Strategies
