The Borno State government has finalized plans to repatriate more than 3,000 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon, ending over a decade of displacement caused by the insurgency in the North-East. The exercise is part of Governor Babagana Zulum’s commitment to ensure the safe return and resettlement of Borno indigenes who fled to neighboring Cameroon, Chad, and Niger during years of conflict.
The voluntary repatriation is being coordinated with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Cameroonian authorities, and international humanitarian partners. On Monday, Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe, Chairman of the Borno State Sub-Committee on Repatriation and member of the Presidential Committee on Repatriation, visited the Minawao Refugee Camp in Maroua, Cameroon’s Far North Region. He met with regional government officials and representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to finalize logistics for the safe return of the refugees.
Wakilbe emphasized that the repatriation process would comply with tripartite agreements and international standards for voluntary return. Governor Zulum, who visited the camp in December 2025, reassured refugees of the state government’s commitment to providing security, resettlement support, and livelihood opportunities upon their return.
Most of the returning refugees are from central and southern Borno State. They fled their homes over 11 years ago during the height of insurgency, which displaced thousands and disrupted socio-economic activities. While in Cameroon, the refugees received support including shelter, healthcare, education, and farmland access, enabling some families to engage in agriculture.
The Borno State government has arranged buses and logistical support for the exercise, while NCFRMI will coordinate movements with Cameroonian authorities and humanitarian partners. “This is the fourth phase of the repatriation exercise, which started in 2020. The process is proceeding smoothly in line with tripartite agreements,” Wakilbe said, adding that all commitments made by Governor Zulum during his December visit would be fulfilled.
In a related engagement, Wakilbe met with Governor Midjiyawa Bakari of Cameroon’s Far North Region, who praised the Borno government for its longstanding cooperation.
He noted that bilateral collaboration has been vital in protecting displaced persons and facilitating their orderly return, ensuring the welfare, security, and dignity of refugees affected by the Lake Chad region insurgency.
