At least 297 Nigerian refugees have voluntarily left the Minawao refugee camp in Cameroon’s Far North region to return to their home country. On Jan. 27, they were transported in five buses, as part of an ongoing scheme to repatriate a total of 3,122 refugees from the camp.
The first batch of the refugees, comprising 75 households, returned to Gwoza Local Government Area in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, officially launching the fourth phase of the repatriation exercise. This comes in light of the Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum’s visit to the refugee camp in Cameroon on December 8, 2025. During this visit, he highlighted his administration’s dedication to ensuring a voluntary, safe, and dignified return for displaced persons.
The departure ceremony was attended by officials from Cameroon and Nigeria, as well as humanitarian partners from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Midjiyawa Bakari, the governor of the Far North region, praised the collaboration between the two countries and international organisations. He expressed hope for a successful reintegration of the repatriated individuals.
“This homecoming is a testament to our collective resolve. We are not merely relocating people; we are restoring lives and rekindling hope within our communities,” Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the Chairperson of the Borno State Sub-Committee on Repatriation, said.
The number of refugees in the Minawao camp in Cameroon has recently surpassed 70,000, raising a significant concern for humanitarian organisations operating in Cameroon’s Far North region. Established in 2013, the Minawao camp is located approximately 70 kilometres from the Nigerian border and was originally intended as a temporary solution for those fleeing the attacks and atrocities committed by Boko Haram.
The camp continues to operate today. However, it currently accommodates more people than it was designed for, according to local sources. Humanitarian organisations in Cameroon and Nigeria have reported that the large refugee population in the camps is straining available resources and making it difficult to meet refugees’ essential needs, such as food, education, and medical care.
At least 297 Nigerian refugees have voluntarily left the Minawao camp in Cameroon’s Far North region as part of a larger effort to repatriate 3,122 refugees.
The repatriation scheme, now in its fourth phase, began with relocating 75 households back to Borno State, Nigeria. This initiative follows the visit of Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum to the camp, emphasizing a safe and dignified return process.
The departure ceremony was attended by officials from both Cameroon and Nigeria, with humanitarian support from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The repatriation highlights collaborative efforts between nations and organizations, aiming for effective reintegration. With the Minawao camp population exceeding 70,000, humanitarian resources are strained, posing challenges in meeting essential needs such as food, education, and healthcare for the refugees.