UNIZIK JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HUMAN RELATIONS

In West Africa, forced migration has become a persistent crisis, with Nigeria and the Niger Republic forming a critical axis of cross-border displacement. This study explores the psychological impact of forced migration on Nigerian refugees in the Niger Republic, particularly those fleeing conflict-affected states such as Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. Driven by insurgent violence, ethnic tensions, and environmental degradation, displaced populations face severe mental health challenges including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. Using qualitative secondary data from sources such as the UNHCR, WHO, and Médecins Sans Frontières, the study synthesizes findings on the mental health consequences of displacement and the inadequacies of current humanitarian responses, which often prioritize physical needs over psychological well-being. The research employs Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory to examine the multilayered factors influencing migrant mental health, from personal trauma and family disruption to systemic challenges in host communities. Complementary theories, including Lazarus and Folkman’s Stress and Coping Theory and Trauma Theory, provide insights into resilience mechanisms such as religious faith and social support. The study emphasizes the urgent need for culturally sensitive, sustainable mental health interventions tailored to the socio-political realities of the Nigeria Niger corridor. It advocates for integrating psychosocial support into broader humanitarian efforts, particularly in Niger’s Diffa Region, where refugee numbers are rising. Ultimately, the article aims to inform policy and humanitarian practice by highlighting the overlooked psychological dimensions of forced migration in West Africa and calling for a more holistic and empathetic approach to migrant care.

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