The federal government has successfully repatriated 7,790 Nigerians from Chad, where they had sought refuge for nearly a decade due to the Boko Haram insurgency.
The Special Adviser on Media to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, in a statement released on Thursday in Maiduguri, revealed that the repatriation was part of ongoing efforts to bring displaced citizens back to their homes. The delegation, led by Governor Zulum, included the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yusuf Sununu, and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Aliyu Ahmed.
Upon arrival in Baga Sola, Chad, the delegation was received by the Governor of Lac Province of Chad, Saleh Tidjani, as part of a joint initiative involving Nigeria, Chad, and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
The returnees, primarily from Borno State, had fled the Lake Chad Basin area, which had been overrun by insurgents. The first phase of the repatriation was launched after the signing of a tripartite agreement in Baga Sola. The agreement, signed by Mr. Sununu on behalf of Nigeria, Mr. Tidjani on behalf of Chad, and Jerome Merlin, the Second Representative of the UNHCR, aims to ensure the safe and voluntary return of refugees.
Governor Zulum emphasized that the repatriation process is entirely voluntary, with only those willing to return being included. He expressed gratitude to the government of Chad for providing shelter and support during the difficult years.
“With peace now returning to many areas in Borno, we are ready to help these families reintegrate into their communities,” Governor Zulum said.
The first batch of returnees, consisting of 1,768 families (7,790 individuals), has already begun the journey back to Nigeria.
In his remarks, Minister Yusuf Sununu commended Governor Zulum for his leadership and collaboration with the federal government, stating, “Governor Zulum has been a true role model, demonstrating strong leadership during crises and fostering effective partnerships with the federal government and international organizations.”
The federal government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting states in delivering humanitarian assistance and ensuring the safe return of refugees to their homes.
