The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Borno State Government, has concluded the repatriation of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon with the return of the fourth and final batch of 680 refugees, representing 162 households, from the Minawao Refugee Camp to Banki in Bama Local Council of Borno State.
The arrival of this final group marked the completion of the fourth phase of the jointly coordinated repatriation exercise. The programme was supported by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRM-IDP) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The fourth phase commenced on January 27, 2026, when 300 refugees were earlier repatriated to Pulka in Gwoza Local Council.
Speaking during a farewell ceremony in Cameroon, the Governor of the Far North Region, Minjinyawa Bakari, praised Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his consistent support and dedication to ensuring the safe and dignified return of the refugees. He encouraged those returning to their ancestral communities to rebuild their lives and contribute productively to society.
Upon arrival at the Nigerian border, the refugees were received by the Commanding Officer of the 152 Task Force Battalion, Lt. Col. Michael Ndubisi; the District Head of Banki, Mohammed Shehu Umar; and other officials. They were subsequently taken to a reception centre before being resettled in UNHCR-supported housing constructed by the Borno State Government.
Addressing the returnees at the reception facility in Banki, Chairman of the Repatriation Committee, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, cautioned against abusing the repatriation process for economic benefits. He disclosed that the state government would review its records to identify individuals who had already resettled in Banki while retaining refugee status, warning that such persons could lose access to housing and livelihood restoration packages.
Wakilbe commended the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijjani Aliyu Ahamed, for his support throughout the repatriation process.
He explained that the Borno State Government provided return packages including ₦100,000 per household, ₦20,000 for each wife, as well as mattresses and wrappers. In addition, the National Commission supplied food items such as rice, beans, millet, cooking oil and condiments.
Overall, 3,122 refugees, comprising 557 households, have now been successfully repatriated to Bama and Gwoza Local Councils under the programme.
