By Ayo Kehinde
The Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has successfully facilitated the safe return of Nigerian refugees from the Republic of Cameroon to Borno State.
The repatriation exercise was conducted on January 27, 2026, with troops of Sector 1, working in close collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilante groups, providing security cover for the cross-border movement of returnees through the Kirawa border crossing into Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area.
Many of the returnees had spent over 11 years in exile following insurgency-related displacements, but are now returning due to the improved security environment created by sustained military operations.
The returnees departed Minawawu in Cameroon, passed through Moruwa and entered Nigeria via Kirawa in an operation carried out in line with approved humanitarian and security protocols. The exercise was coordinated by officials of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), alongside the Borno State Government and other security agencies, reflecting strengthened civil-military cooperation in the region.
A high-level Borno State Government delegation, led by Engineer Wakilbe, representing Governor 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, as well as representatives of UNHCR, IOM and other humanitarian partners.
On arrival at Maraban Kirawa, the delegation and returnees were received by the Commander of 26 Task Force Brigade under Sector 1, Brigadier General Nasiru Abdullahi, before being escorted to the designated reception centre in Pulka. There, over 100 households were registered and provided with immediate relief support, including 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).
The returnees will remain at the centre for 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 hitch-free, noting that while the security environment remains calm but fluid, troops continue to maintain high morale and operational readiness.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to securing communities, protecting civilians and supporting humanitarian and government-led initiatives aimed at restoring hope, rebuilding lives and ensuring the safe return of displaced Nigerians.
