The first batch of 300 Nigerian refugees has returned to Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno, marking the commencement of the fourth phase of an organised repatriation exercise from Cameroon.
The returnees, made up of 75 households, arrived in Pulka town in a coordinated exercise facilitated by the Borno State Government in collaboration with relevant humanitarian and security agencies.
The refugees had spent about 11 years in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in the Republic of Cameroon following insurgency in their communities.
The repatriation followed a visit by Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum to the refugees’ camp in Cameroon on Dec. 8, 2025, during which he assured them of a voluntary, safe and dignified return process.
Chairman of the Borno State Sub-Committee on Repatriation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, described the exercise as a major milestone of the present administration.
“This homecoming is a testament to our collective resolve. We are not just moving people; we are restoring lives and reigniting hope in our communities,” Wakilbe said.
He said the exercise reflected the commitment of the state government to stabilising communities affected by insurgency and rebuilding livelihoods.
In a show of regional cooperation, the Governor of Cameroon’s Far North Region, Minjinyawa Bakari, personally saw off the refugees, reaffirming bilateral efforts to address the humanitarian consequences of insurgency in the Lake Chad region.
On arrival in Pulka, the returnees were formally received by local authorities and security officials.
Each household head received N500,000, while each wife was given an additional N50,000 to support reintegration.
The Borno State Government also distributed mattresses and wrappers, while the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons provided food items including rice, millet, beans and cooking oil.
The repatriation exercise is part of a broader strategy by the state government to resettle displaced persons, rebuild infrastructure and restore socio-economic activities in affected communities.
Dignitaries present at the event included members of the Borno State House of Assembly representing Kaga, Gwoza and Gulumba constituencies, officials of Gwoza Local Government Council, and representatives of the National Commission for Refugees.
