By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the repatriation of about 8000 refugees who fled to the Republic of Chad over a decade ago due to Boko Haram insurgency.
The refugees, mostly Borno State indigenes, l fled to Chad following the occupation of their communities in Borno State by the Boko Haram fighters
A statement on Thursday February 6, 2025 from Dauda Illiya, the media aide to the Borno State Governor said that the repatriation exercise will be entirely voluntary.
According to the statement, Governor Babagana Zulum is at the head of a high profile Nigerian delegation to Lac Province, Chad, to sign the agreement for the phased repatriation exercise.
Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Yusuf Sununu and Federal Commissioner/ Chief Executive Officer CEO of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced persons NCFRMI, are part of the Federal Government’s delegation that was received by the Provincial Governor of Lac, Saleh Tidjani.
“The exercise is entirely voluntary. We are grateful to the Government and people of Chad for their hospitality and support in sheltering our people during their time of need
“Now that peace has returned to many areas in Borno, we are prepared to helpi them reintegrate into their communities
“In the first batch of the repatriation about 1,768 families, comprising 7 790 individuals will be transported back to Nigeria”, Governor Zulum noted.
On his part, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Sununu appreciated the Borno State Governor for his unwavering collaborative efforts with the Federal Government in providing humanitarian assistance.
He also assured of Federal Government’s readiness in partnering with State authorities in providing humanitarian assistance to their citizens.
According to the statement, Dr Sununu,signed the tripartite agreement for the phased repatriation exercise on behalf of Nigeria, while Tidjani the Governor of Lac Province signed for Chad .
The UNHRC was represented by Jerome Merlin at the agreement signing ceremony which held in Baga Sola in Lac Province, Chad.
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