The Federal Government of Nigeria has brought back 7,790 Nigerians who had been living in Chad for nearly ten years because of Boko Haram attacks.
Mr. Dauda Illiya, the media adviser to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, shared this information in a statement on Thursday in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum led the Nigerian government’s team to Chad, along with Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Aliyu Ahmed, the head of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).
They were welcomed in Baga Sola, Chad, on Wednesday by the Governor of Lac Province, Saleh Tidjani.
The statement said most of the returnees are from Borno State. They had been living in Chad after Boko Haram took over their villages near Lake Chad.
Before the return process began, Zulum attended the signing of an agreement between Nigeria, Chad, and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Baga Sola.
Dr. Sununu signed for Nigeria, Tidjani signed for Chad, and Jerome Merlin, a UNHCR representative, signed on behalf of his organization.
Zulum thanked the government and people of Chad for taking care of the displaced Nigerians.
“This return is completely voluntary. We appreciate Chad’s help in giving shelter to our people during tough times. Now that peace has returned to many parts of Borno, we are ready to help them settle back home. In this first batch, 1,768 families, or 7,790 people, will be brought back to Nigeria,” Zulum said.
The Minister also praised Zulum for his leadership and teamwork with the Federal Government to assist displaced people.
“I thank Governor Zulum for his leadership during these difficult times. His cooperation with the Federal Government and international partners in helping displaced people is commendable,” Sununu said.
He also assured that the government will continue to support states in providing humanitarian aid and ensuring the safe return of refugees.
