Army ushers in safe return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon after 11-year exile

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops from the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), successfully escorted over a hundred Nigerian refugee households back to Borno State from Cameroon on January 27, 2026, highlighting the military’s shift toward people-centric operations amid ongoing stabilisation efforts.

The operation provided robust security cover for the cross-border movement from the Kirawa border into Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area.

Working in close synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes, troops ensured a hitch-free repatriation starting from Minawawu in Cameroon, through Moruwa, and into Nigeria.

Lieutenant Colonel SANI UBA, Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, stated in a statement shared on Thursday, “Many of the returnees had spent over 11 years in exile due to insurgency-related displacements and are now returning due to the enabling environment created by sustained kinetic operations.”

The exercise followed approved humanitarian and security protocols, coordinated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Borno State Government, and partners like UNHCR and IOM.

A high-level delegation led by Engineer Wakilbe, representing Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, joined the event, including Gwoza’s local government chairman and a state assembly member.

Upon arrival at Maraban Kirawa, Brigadier General Nasiru Abdullahi, Commander of 26 Task Force Brigade under Sector 1, received the group before escorting them to a Pulka reception centre.

There, households received financial aid, wrappers, mattresses from Borno State; food from the Federal Government; and UNHCR cash support.

Returnees now undergo medical screening and child immunisations by military medics and Gwoza’s Primary Healthcare Unit.

The delegation headed to Gwoza and plans to return to Cameroon for more batches.

Uba affirmed, “The Theatre Command confirms that the operation was conducted hitch-free. While the security environment remains calm but fluid, troops continue to maintain high morale, operational readiness, and fighting efficiency… Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its resolve to secure communities, protect civilians, and support humanitarian and government-led initiatives that restore hope, rebuild lives, and return displaced