The second batch of 705 Nigerian refugees has voluntarily returned home from the Republic of Cameroon to Banki in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The return forms part of an ongoing, coordinated repatriation and resettlement program.
The refugees comprise 85 households displaced by years of insurgency.
They were formally seen off in Maroua on Thursday by the Governor of Cameroon’s Far North Region, Midjiyawa Bakari.
Their arrival marks continued progress in efforts to return displaced Nigerians to their ancestral communities.
Earlier on Tuesday, the first batch of 300 refugees was conveyed to Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area.
That movement signaled the commencement of the fourth phase of the repatriation exercise.
Upon arrival in Banki, the returnees were received by the Commanding Officer of the 152 Task Force Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Ndubusi.
They were also welcomed by the District Head of Banki, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Umar.
The refugees were subsequently taken to a reception center for documentation and processing.
Authorities confirmed that the returnees will be accommodated in newly constructed housing units.
The housing project is part of a wider rebuilding program supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and implemented by the Borno State Government.
The administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has invested heavily in reconstruction, rehabilitation, and resettlement across conflict-affected communities.
The initiative aims to restore stability and create sustainable livelihoods for returning families.
Chairman of the Repatriation Committee, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, thanked the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hon. Tijjani Aliyu Ahamed, for the support.
He said Governor Babagana Umara Zulum approved comprehensive return packages for the refugees.
According to Wakilbe, each household head will receive N100,000.
He added that N20,000 will be given to each wife.
Mattresses and wrappers were also provided to support reintegration.
“Beyond bricks and mortar, the state government is providing direct assistance to ease the transition back home,” Wakilbe said.
Director at the commission, Mr. Murdakai Titus, handed over food items and building materials to the returnees.
“The food items are to cushion their immediate needs,” Titus said.
He explained that the building materials would support further shelter rehabilitation as more refugees are expected.
Authorities confirmed that three additional convoys are scheduled to arrive in Bama Local Government Area in the coming weeks.
The development signals a sustained commitment to restoring communities displaced by conflict in Borno State.
