Emotional moment in Borno as over 300 return after 10 years in Cameroon
306 Nigerian Refugees Return Home from Cameroon After Over a Decade
27 January 2026
There was an emotional scene in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, on Tuesday as 306 Nigerian refugees returned home after spending more than 10 years in Minawao Refugee Camp in Maroua, Cameroon.
The returnees received $200 each from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), while the Federal Government provided food and non-food items expected to sustain them for over a month.
In addition, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, supported the returnees with ₦550,000 cash assistance for each of the 75 households that voluntarily returned.
The event was marked by emotional tributes and prayers, particularly from an elderly woman, Mary Luka, whose words deeply moved many present.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees shortly after their arrival in Pulka, Luka expressed gratitude to the government and humanitarian agencies, while offering prayers for peace and stability in Nigeria.
She prayed for political leaders at all levels to remain steadfast in the fight against terrorism and for the nation’s continued growth and development.
“For us who were convinced to return to our ancestral home with our children, so they can know their roots, we are truly grateful,” she said.
Governor Zulum also expressed happiness over the successful repatriation, which comes 11 years after the refugees fled their communities due to insecurity.
According to the governor, the repatriation process began in 2019, shortly after he assumed office.
“When His Excellency, Governor Zulum, visited the camp, the only request of the people was to return home,” he said.
“Although we were unable to facilitate the return of Gwoza refugees earlier due to several challenges, today we are pleased that 75 households, comprising about 300 people, have safely returned,” Zulum said, through the Commissioner for Education, Lawan Wakilbe, who represented him at the event.
He added that improved peace, security, and government support would encourage more refugees to return.
The commissioner also announced that all returning children would be enrolled in government schools of their choice, with special provisions including free uniforms, books, and other learning materials.
Meanwhile, Tijani Aliyu, Chairman of the Repatriation Technical Committee and Federal Commissioner at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, described the exercise as a major success.
Represented by Murdakai Titus, Deputy Director of Refugees Affairs, Aliyu said voluntary repatriation remains the most durable solution for refugees globally.
“When conditions improve in a country, people living abroad as refugees willingly choose to return home. This is a clear sign that peace has returned, and it is something both the international community and the government welcome,” he said.
(NAN)