By Bavoriat Clara
The Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has successfully facilitated the safe, dignified and orderly repatriation of Nigerian refugees from the Republic of Cameroon to Borno State, reaffirming its commitment to people-centric and stabilisation-driven operations in the North East.
Troops of Sector 1, working in close synergy 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 crossing into Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Many of the refugees had spent over 11 years in exile following insurgency-related displacement and are now returning home due to the improved security environment created by sustained military operations aimed at restoring socio-economic activities, a core mandate of Operation HADIN KAI.
The repatriation exercise commenced at Minawawu in the Republic of Cameroon, transited through Moruwa, and entered Nigeria via Kirawa. It was conducted in strict compliance with approved humanitarian and security protocols, underscoring the growing civil-military cooperation that defines current stabilisation efforts in the region.
The process was coordinated by officials of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), in collaboration with the Borno State Government and relevant security agencies.
A high-level Borno State Government delegation, led by Engineer Wakilbe on behalf of the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, participated in the exercise. The delegation 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 humanitarian partners.
On arrival at Maraban Kirawa, the delegation and returnees were warmly received by the Commander, 26 Task Force Brigade under Sector 1, Brigadier General Nasiru Abdullahi, before being safely escorted to the designated reception centre in Pulka.
At the reception centre, over one hundred households were registered and provided with immediate relief support. Assistance included financial support, wrappers and mattresses from the Borno State Government, food items from the Federal Government, and cash support from the UNHCR to ease short-term accommodation and resettlement challenges.
The returnees will remain at the centre for comprehensive medical screening, while children will receive 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 the Republic of Cameroon to facilitate the repatriation of additional batches of Nigerian refugees.
The Theatre Command confirmed that the exercise was conducted hitch-free. Although the security situation remains calm but fluid, 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.
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