By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri
The Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has once again demonstrated its commitment to people-centric operations by successfully facilitating the safe, dignified, and orderly return of Nigerian refugees from the Republic of Cameroon to Borno State.
About 3,000 Nigerian Refugees ate expected to return to their liberated communities of Pulka, Kirawa, among others, in the Gwoza local government area of Borno state. The exercise, which is in batches, led to 300 Refugees returned in the first batch yesterday.
In a press statement signed by the Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force North East ‘Operation HADIN KAI’, Lt. Col. Sani Uba said: ” On 27 January 2026, troops of Sector 1 in close synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilante groups, provided robust security cover for the cross-border movement of Nigerian refugees from the Kirawa border crossing into Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area.
“Many of the returnees had spent over 11 years in exile due to insurgency-related displacements and are now returning due to the enabling environment created by sustained kinetic operations to enable the return of socio-economic activities as a key mandate of OPHK
“It was conducted in line with approved humanitarian and security protocols, reflecting the strong civil-military cooperation that now defines stabilisation efforts in the North East. Officials of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) coordinated the process alongside the Borno State Government and security agencies.
“The repatriation exercise commenced from Minawawu in the Republic of Cameroon, passing through Moruwa before entry into Kirawa, Nigeria.
“A high-level Borno State Government delegation led by Engineer Wakilbe, representing His Excellency, Professor 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 warmly received by the Commander, 26 Task Force Brigade under Sector 1, Brigadier General Nasiru Abdullahi, before being safely escorted to the designated reception centre in Pulka.
“At the reception centre, over a hundred 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 from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to ease temporary accommodation challenges.
“The returnees will remain at the centre to undergo comprehensive 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 was escorted to Gwoza and is expected to return to the Republic of Cameroon to facilitate the repatriation of additional batches of Nigerian refugees.
“The Theatre Command confirms that the operation was conducted hitch-free. While the security environment remains calm but fluid, troops continue to maintain high morale, operational readiness, and fighting efficiency.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its resolve to secure communities, protect civilians, and support humanitarian and government-led initiatives that restore hope, rebuild lives, and return displaced Nigerians safely home”, Uba explained.
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