The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI) officially handed over essential food and non-food items to the Borno State Government on Monday, February 17, 2025.
The handover, held in Maiduguri, supports the ongoing voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees from Darusalam Camp, Bagasole, Chad.
Hajiya Fatima Mamman Daura, Director of IDPs, and Mr. Murdakai Titus, Director of Refugees, led the NCRMI delegation at the event., while Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, Honourable Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, received the items on behalf of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
Hajiya Fatima stated that the NCRMI, under the leadership of Honourable Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed, is working closely with the Borno State Government to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Nigerian citizens.
“We are here representing our leader, the Honourable Federal Commissioner,” she said.
“Our mandate includes coordinating the repatriation of Nigerian refugees. This first phase, focusing on refugees in Chad, has commenced in partnership with the Borno State Government. We have already repatriated nearly 7,000 refugees, and the process is ongoing.”
The donated items include 2,400 bags (25 kg) of rice, 3,500 cartons of spaghetti, 500 cartons of vegetable oil, 185 bags (25 kg) of millet, 1,600 bags of cement, 500 mattresses, 500 mats, 400 bed sheets, 500 Jallabiyas, 500 blankets, 300 cartons of water purifiers, 50 rolls of wrappers, 300 plastic buckets with taps, 300 spatulas, 300 scissors, 500 water sieves, 50 packs of mosquito coils, and 500 mosquito nets.
“These items will support the refugees as they rebuild their lives,” Hajiya Fatima explained.
“We are working with the Borno State Government to ensure the restoration of social services. We will also begin a medical outreach with the Nigerian Medical Association in Borno State to provide healthcare and psychosocial support.” She added that agreements are in place with Cameroon and Niger for future repatriations.
“They are definitely coming back,” she affirmed. “They have all signed agreements and expressed their desire to return home. Home is home, and home is better.”
Engr. Wakilbe, who also chairs the sub-committee on repatriation, acknowledged the NCRMI’s vital role.
“These 8,000 people coming from Chad are primarily from Kukawa Local Government Area,” he explained.
“The NCRMI has been central to this process. These items are support items for the returnees.” He clarified his role as “sub-committee chairman on repatriation, under the committee on repatriation and reintegration of Boko Haram members, reporting to His Excellency The Deputy Governor.”
He reiterated the Governor’s commitment to the return of all Borno State citizens. “His Excellency declared at the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum that all our people will be brought back home,” he said.
“These refugees came from Chad, through Cameroon, and into Nigeria via Banki and Maiduguri. SEMA and the local government have coordinated their transfer to Baga, and they will return to Kukawa when conditions are suitable.”
He praised the NCRMI’s longstanding partnership. “The National Refugee Commission has been a very strong partner,” he said.
“They have been central to all our repatriation efforts since 2020. They have also participated in the construction of settlements in Bama and Amarwa and have provided essential items for rebuilding communities and facilitating returns from neighbouring countries.” concluded the commissioner
