Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Theatre Command of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has facilitated the safe, dignified and orderly return of Nigerian refugees from the Republic of Cameroon to Borno State, reaffirming its commitment to people-centred military operations and post-conflict stabilisation in the North East.
The repatriation exercise took place on 27 January 2026, with troops of Sector 1, working in close collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilante groups, providing robust security for the cross-border movement of returnees through the Kirawa border crossing into Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area.
Many of the returnees had spent more than 11 years in exile following insurgency-induced displacement. Their decision to return, according to the military, was made possible by the improved security environment created through sustained kinetic operations, which have helped to restore socio-economic activities across parts of southern Borno.
The exercise commenced from Minawawu in Cameroon, passed through Moruwa, and culminated at Kirawa, Nigeria. It was carried out in line with approved humanitarian and security protocols, underscoring the growing civil-military cooperation driving stabilisation efforts in the region. The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) coordinated the process alongside the Borno State Government and relevant security agencies.
A high-level Borno State Government delegation, led by Engineer Wakilbe and representing Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, was present during the exercise.
The delegation included the Chairman of Gwoza Local Government Area, a member of the Borno State House of Assembly representing Gwoza, senior state officials, as well as representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other humanitarian partners.
On arrival at Maraban Kirawa, the returnees and the delegation were received by the Commander of 26 Task Force Brigade, Sector 1, Brigadier General Nasiru Abdullahi, before being escorted to the designated reception centre in Pulka.
At the centre, more than 100 households were registered and provided with immediate relief assistance. Each household received financial support, wrappers and mattresses from the Borno State Government, food items from the Federal Government, and cash assistance from UNHCR to address temporary accommodation needs.
The returnees are to 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 delegation proceeded to Gwoza and is expected to return to Cameroon to facilitate the repatriation of additional batches of Nigerian refugees.
Confirming the success of the operation, the Theatre Command stated that the exercise was conducted hitch-free. While noting that the security situation remains calm but fluid, it assured that troops continue to maintain high morale, operational readiness and fighting efficiency.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its resolve to secure communities, protect civilians and support humanitarian and government-led initiatives aimed at restoring hope, rebuilding lives and ensuring the safe return of displaced Nigerians to their homes.
