FG Begins Repatriation of 3,000 Nigerians from Chad, Plans More Returns

In a major effort to bring home displaced citizens, the Federal Government has repatriated 3,000 Nigerians from Chad, now resettled in Borno State. The move is part of a broader plan to assist Nigerians seeking to return from neighboring countries.

This was disclosed by Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), during a Technical Working Group Meeting in Abuja. He confirmed that essential supplies, including food and non-food items, had already been provided to the returnees.

“Through bilateral work, 3,000 Nigerian refugees in Chad were already repatriated,” Ahmed stated. “The National Commission for Refugees has sent our food and non-food items. We want to continue the repatriation of Nigerians living in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.”

According to Ahmed, 14,000 Nigerians in Cameroon have also expressed their willingness to return home. Out of this number, 7,000 are ready to return unconditionally, while the other 7,000 have requested security and shelter provisions before making the move.

The repatriation process follows agreements signed with Cameroon and Chad in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). However, no formal agreement has been reached with Niger at this time.

Ahmed further revealed that the Nigerian government had recently communicated a request regarding Nigerian refugees in their country. Additionally, a petition from Nigerians in Chad seeking repatriation has been received, signaling ongoing efforts to facilitate a safe and structured return for displaced citizens.

As the process unfolds, the Federal Government is working on logistics, security, and shelter arrangements to ensure a smooth reintegration for returning Nigerians.