By Nkechi Eze
The Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has once again underscored 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.
In an official statement, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed that on 27 January 2026, troops of Sector 1, in close collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilante groups, provided robust security 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 thanks to the enabling environment created by sustained military operations that have allowed socio-economic activities to resume.
The repatriation exercise began from Minawawu in the Republic of Cameroon, passing through Moruwa before entry into Kirawa, Nigeria. It was conducted in strict accordance with approved humanitarian and security protocols, reflecting the strong civil-military cooperation that now defines stabilization efforts in the North East. The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) coordinated the process alongside the Borno State Government and security agencies.
A high-level delegation from the Borno State Government, led by Engineer Wakilbe on behalf of His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State, 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, and representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and other humanitarian partners.
Upon arrival at Maraban Kirawa, the delegation and returnees were warmly received by the Commander of the 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 a cash grant from the UNHCR to ease temporary accommodation challenges.
The returnees will remain at the centre to undergo comprehensive medical screening, while children will receive routine immunization, 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 confirmed 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 safely return displaced Nigerians to their homes.
