Nearly 64,000 people have crossed from northern Nigeria into neighboring Niger since the start of the year, fleeing attacks by Islamist militants and armed gangs. The influx is placing further strain on a country already struggling to meet the needs of hundreds of thousands of displaced people, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) says.

The border regions of Diffa and Tahoua have received most of the new arrivals. In Diffa alone, more than 23,000 people have sought refuge since January, with children accounting for more than two-thirds of them. Many families are sheltering in makeshift structures, with little food, clean water or access to essential services.

The new arrivals are adding to Niger's existing refugee population of more than 500,000. However, only about 5% of refugees who have arrived in Niger this year have been formally registered, leaving most without the documentation needed to access humanitarian assistance and public services.

UNHCR is seeking $11.4 million for its response in Niger, Nigeria and Benin, warning that without additional funding, thousands of displaced families could go without basic assistance.