Operation HADIN KAI Facilitates Safe Return of Nigerian Refugees from Cameroon to Borno
Operation HADIN KAI Facilitates Safe Return of Nigerian Refugees from Cameroon to Borno
Operation HADIN KAI Facilitates Safe Return of Nigerian Refugees from Cameroon to Borno
The Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has successfully facilitated the safe, dignified, and orderly return of Nigerian refugees from the Republic of Cameroon to Borno State, reaffirming its commitment to people-centric military operations.
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On January 27, 2026, troops of Sector 1, working in close collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilante groups, provided robust security for the cross-border movement of Nigerian refugees through the Kirawa border into Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Many of the returnees had spent more than 11 years in exile following insurgency-related displacement and are now returning due to the improved security environment created by sustained operations of OPHK.
The repatriation exercise commenced from Minawawu in Cameroon, transited through Moruwa, and entered Nigeria via Kirawa, in line with approved humanitarian and security protocols. The process was coordinated by officials of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), alongside the Borno State Government and relevant security agencies, reflecting strong civil-military cooperation in the region.
A high-level Borno State Government delegation led by Engineer Wakilbe, representing Governor 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 UNHCR, 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 safely escorted to the designated reception centre in Pulka.
At the centre, over 100 households were 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 the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to address temporary accommodation needs. The returnees will undergo comprehensive medical screening, while children will receive routine immunisation administered jointly 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 environment remains calm but fluid, troops continue to maintain high morale and operational readiness.
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.
Operation HADIN KAI Facilitates Safe Return of Nigerian Refugees from Cameroon to Borno
