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UN suspends humanitarian operations in northern Nigeria amid safety concerns

THE United Nations suspended humanitarian operations in two towns in Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno state today in the wake of increased attacks by the Boko Haram jihadist group.

Humanitarian co-ordinator Edward Kallon said the UN was unable to continue its work in Dikwa and Damasak as it could not guarantee the safety of its staff.

He said the UN intends to resume operations as soon as possible so that civilians affected by the continuing conflict receive humanitarian support.

The organisation currently provides support to 8,800 internally displaced people, along with a further 76,000 people who have fled to Nigeria from bordering countries.

But Boko Haram has been targeting humanitarian facilities: four people were killed in attacks on three facilities last week.

More than 3,000 people have been killed and nearly three million internally displaced in Nigeria since the Boko Haram insurgency started a decade ago, according to the UN.

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