The UN has suspended humanitarian operations in Dikwa and Damasak towns in Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno State, after recent attacks by the Boko Haram jihadist group, local media sources have reported.

“We have temporarily suspended operations in these areas in order to safely relocate humanitarian staff and are closely monitoring the situation,” said Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria.

Mr Kallon said the UN intends to resume operations as soon as possible, so that civilians affected by the conflict are assisted.

Humanitarian aid facilities have in the past been targeted with the latest attack being on 10 April when three facilities were attacked and four people died.

The UN said the attack would affect support to 8,800 internally displaced persons and 76,000 people in the host community receiving humanitarian assistance and protection.

Source: BBC