By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Operation HADIN KAI has recorded another major humanitarian milestone, successfully leading the safe and dignified return of Nigerian refugees from the Republic of Cameroon to Borno State, ending more than a decade of forced exile caused by insurgency.
The Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), facilitated the repatriation on January 27, 2026, in a carefully coordinated operation that underscored the military’s people-centric approach to stabilisation in the North East.
Troops of Sector 1, working closely with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilante groups, provided robust security for the cross-border movement of the returnees from the Kirawa border point into Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area.
Many of the refugees had spent over 11 years in Cameroon after fleeing their homes at the height of insurgent violence.
The return, officials said, was made possible by sustained military operations that have degraded terrorist capabilities and created an enabling environment for the gradual restoration of socio-economic activities across affected communities one of the core mandates of Operation HADIN KAI.
The repatriation convoy originated from Minawawu in Cameroon, passed through Moruwa and entered Nigeria at Kirawa.
It was conducted strictly in line with approved humanitarian and security protocols, reflecting the deepening civil-military cooperation now shaping recovery efforts in the region.
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) coordinated the process in collaboration with the Borno State Government, security agencies and humanitarian partners.
A high-level Borno State Government delegation led by Engineer Wakilbe, representing Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, was on ground for the exercise.
The team included the Chairman of Gwoza Local Government Area, a member of the Borno State House of Assembly representing Gwoza, senior government officials, and representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other partners.
On arrival at Maraban Kirawa, the returnees and delegation were received by the Commander, 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General Nasiru Abdullahi, before being escorted under tight security to the designated reception centre in Pulka.
At the centre, more than 100 households were formally registered and provided with immediate relief support.
Each household received financial assistance, wrappers and mattresses from the Borno State Government, food items from the Federal Government, and cash support from UNHCR to ease temporary accommodation challenges.
The returnees will remain at the reception centre for comprehensive medical screening, while children will undergo routine immunisation jointly administered by military medical personnel and officials of the Gwoza Local Government Primary Healthcare Unit.
Following the successful reception, the Borno State delegation proceeded to Gwoza and is expected to return to Cameroon to facilitate the repatriation of additional batches of Nigerian refugees.
The Theatre Command confirmed that the operation was conducted without incident.
While the security situation remains calm but fluid, troops continue to maintain high morale, operational readiness and fighting efficiency.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its resolve to secure communities, protect civilians and support humanitarian and government-led initiatives aimed at restoring hope, rebuilding lives and returning displaced Nigerians safely back home.
