The Borno State Government has completed preparations for the voluntary repatriation of more than 3,000 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon, marking a significant step in fulfilling Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum's pledge to bring back and resettle all displaced citizens from neighboring countries.
This initiative, supported by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), targets individuals who fled insurgency in Borno State over 11 years ago and have been living primarily at the Minawao Refugee Camp in Cameroon's Far North Region.
On Monday, Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe, Chairman of the Borno State Sub-Committee on Repatriation and a member of the Presidential Committee on Repatriation, held discussions with a delegation from Cameroon's Far North Region and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) officials at the Minawao camp.
The meeting focused on finalizing logistics to guarantee a safe, dignified, and orderly return for the refugees.The process aligns with a longstanding tripartite agreement involving Nigeria, Cameroon, and UNHCR, which emphasizes voluntary participation.
This marks the fourth phase of repatriation efforts that began in 2020, proceeding smoothly under established agreements and technical working groups.During his visit to the Minawao camp on December 8, 2025, Governor Zulum personally assured refugees of their safety upon return, describing the move as the start of a new chapter for families uprooted by the Boko Haram insurgency that ravaged communities in central and southern Borno, including areas like Gwoza and Bama.
While in Cameroon, many refugees received essential support from local authorities and humanitarian partners, including shelter, healthcare, education, and farmland allocations that enabled self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on aid.Encouraged by enhanced security and ongoing reconstruction in Borno, a growing number of refugees have expressed willingness to return home voluntarily.
The Borno State Government is providing buses and other logistical aid, while NCFRMI coordinates the operation alongside Cameroonian officials and humanitarian agencies.Engineer Wakilbe reaffirmed that Governor Zulum's commitments—made during his December visit—will be honored upon the refugees' arrival, ensuring comprehensive support for reintegration.
In a related meeting, Engineer Wakilbe and his delegation visited the Governor of Cameroon's Far North Region, Midjiyawa Bakari, who praised the strong bilateral ties between the two regions. He highlighted how this cooperation has been vital in safeguarding displaced persons and facilitating their orderly return across the border.
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