The Theatre Command of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has facilitated the safe, dignified and orderly return of Nigerian refugees from the Republic of Cameroon to Borno State, in another demonstration of its people-centred approach to operations.
The repatriation exercise took place on January 27, 2026, as 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 refugees from the Kirawa border crossing into Pulka town in Gwoza Local Government Area.
Many of the returnees had spent more than 11 years in exile following insurgency-related displacement. Their return was attributed to the improved security environment created by sustained military operations, which have enabled the gradual restoration of socio-economic activities in line with the mandate of Operation HADIN KAI.
The exercise commenced from Minawawu in Cameroon, passed through Moruwa and entered Nigeria at Kirawa. It was conducted in accordance with approved humanitarian and security protocols, underscoring the growing civil-military cooperation underpinning stabilisation efforts in the North East. The process was coordinated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) in collaboration with the Borno State Government and relevant security agencies.
A high-level delegation from the Borno State Government, led by Engineer Wakilbe on behalf of 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 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 of 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 support. Each household received financial assistance, wrappers and mattresses from the Borno State Government, food items from the Federal Government, and cash support from UNHCR to address temporary accommodation needs.
The returnees are expected to remain at the centre for 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 situation 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 safely returning displaced Nigerians to their homes.
