By Ikechi Enwereji
The Theatre Command of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has successfully facilitated the safe 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.
Troops of Sector 1, working in close coordination with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilante groups, provided robust security for the cross-border movement of the returnees through the Kirawa border into Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area. Many of the refugees had spent more than 11 years in exile following displacement caused by the insurgency.
The repatriation exercise, which took place on January 27, commenced from Minawawu in Cameroon and transited through Moruwa before entry into Kirawa, Nigeria. It was conducted in line with approved humanitarian and security protocols, underscoring the growing civil-military cooperation driving stabilisation efforts in the region.
Officials of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) coordinated the process alongside the Borno State Government and relevant security agencies.
According to the statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, a high-level Borno State Government delegation led by Engineer Wakilbe, representing Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, took part 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, 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 delegation were received by the Commander, 26 Task Force Brigade under 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. Support packages included financial assistance, wrappers and mattresses from the Borno State Government, food items from the Federal Government, and cash support from UNHCR to ease short-term accommodation challenges.
The returnees are expected to remain at the reception centre temporarily 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 Cameroon to facilitate the repatriation of additional batches of Nigerian refugees.
The Theatre Command confirmed that the operation was conducted without incident, noting that while 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 livelihoods and enabling the safe return of displaced Nigerians.
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