The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced intentions to initiate the repatriation of Nigerian refugees currently taking shelter in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger Republic back to their home country. This move aims to address the plight of thousands of Nigerians who fled to neighboring countries during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency.
Ahmed Tijjani, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), disclosed this development after a meeting with Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno in Maiduguri.
Tijjani affirmed the government’s commitment to closing the remaining Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Maiduguri and facilitating the return of displaced individuals to their original communities in the shortest time possible.
“We have initiated discussions on the evacuation of refugees from Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. A tripartite meeting has been scheduled to deliberate on the modalities for this evacuation process,” stated Tijjani.
He further added, “The registration of refugees for voluntary evacuation is currently underway in collaboration with the UN Agency for Refugees (UNHCR).”
Tijjani commended the Borno State Government for its unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people and assured of the commission’s continuous support. In addition, he revealed that the commission has established a resettlement city in Amarwa Village, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno, equipped with facilities including schools, clinics, markets, police outpost, and a skill acquisition centre, to accommodate the returning refugees.
During his three-day visit to Borno, the federal commissioner also extended relief materials to 500 displaced persons affected by a fire disaster in Muna IDP camp in Maiduguri. He concluded his visit with a stop at the Maiduguri sub-office of the UNHCR.
This bold initiative reflects the government’s determination to address the humanitarian challenges resulting from the Boko Haram insurgency and underscores its commitment to fostering the safe return and reintegration of displaced Nigerians.
