In a significant humanitarian effort, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has led a high-level Nigerian delegation to Chad to oversee the repatriation of 7, 790 refugees displaced by the Boko Haram insurgents.
The refugees, mostly from Borno State, have been living in Chad for nearly a decade, after fleeing violence in the Lake Chad Basin.
Their return is being facilitated through a tripartite agreement involving the federal government, Chad, and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
The delegation, which includes the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, and the Federal Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, was welcomed by the Governor of Lac Province, Saleh Haggar Tidjani, in Baga Sola.
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The first phase of the repatriation will see 1, 768 families—totaling 7, 790 individuals—return to Nigeria.
Gov. Zulum emphasized that only those who have voluntarily expressed interest in returning will be repatriated, assuring them of support upon their arrival.
Also, the governor expressed gratitude to the Chadian Government for hosting Nigerian refugees over the years. “We deeply appreciate the hospitality and support Chad has provided to our people during this difficult time,” he said.
The signing of the repatriation agreement was attended by key officials, including the Head of Chancery at the Nigerian Embassy in N’Djamena, Abdulkadir Ghani, Borno State lawmakers, and commissioners.
During the ceremony, Sununu commended Gov. Zulum for his leadership and commitment to humanitarian efforts.
“I want to thank the executive governor of Borno State for showing leadership during crises and serving as a role model in complete collaboration with the federal government,” Sununu stated.
The repatriation exercise marks a crucial step in restoring normalcy for thousands of displaced Nigerians, with authorities pledging continued support for their reintegration.
