By Favour Chioma
The Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has successfully facilitated the safe, dignified, and orderly return of Nigerian refugees from the Republic of Cameroon to Borno State, reaffirming its commitment to people-centred military operations.
The statement was signed by Lie
According to the statement, 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, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Many of the returnees had spent over 11 years in exile following insurgency-induced displacement. Their return was made possible by the improved security environment created through sustained kinetic operations by OPHK, which have enabled the gradual restoration of socio-economic activities across affected communities.
The repatriation convoy commenced from Minawawu in the Republic of Cameroon, passed through Moruwa, and entered Nigeria via Kirawa. The operation was conducted in strict compliance with approved humanitarian and security protocols, underscoring the strong civil-military cooperation driving 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 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.
Upon arrival at Maraban Kirawa, the delegation and returnees were received by the Commander, 26 Task Force Brigade, Sector 1, Brigadier General Nasiru Abdullahi, before being safely escorted to the designated reception centre in Pulka.
At the reception centre, over 100 households were registered and provided with immediate humanitarian assistance. Support included financial assistance, wrappers, and mattresses from the Borno State Government; food items supplied by the Federal Government; and cash assistance from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to help address temporary accommodation needs.
The returnees will 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 the Republic of Cameroon to facilitate the repatriation of additional batches of Nigerian refugees.
The Theatre Command confirmed that the operation was conducted without incident. While the security situation remains calm but fluid, troops continue to maintain high morale, operational readiness, and fighting efficiency.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its unwavering resolve to secure communities, protect civilians, and support humanitarian and government-led initiatives aimed at restoring hope, rebuilding lives, and ensuring the safe return of displaced Nigerians.
