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First Batch of 300 Refugees Returns to Gwoza in Landmark Homecoming
First Batch of 300 Refugees Returns to Gwoza in Landmark Homecoming
By: Our Reporter
The first batch of 300 Nigerian refugees has returned to Gwoza in Borno State, marking the commencement of the fourth phase of a sustained repatriation exercise.
The returnees, comprising 75 households, arrived in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government in a coordinated and dignified homecoming.
The journey for the families represented not merely a border crossing, but an emotional passage from displacement to building their livelihood after 11 years in IDP camp in Cameroon republic.
This milestone follows Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s visit to their camp in Cameroon on 8 December 2025, where he pledged a voluntary, safe, and dignified return process.
Chairman of the Borno State Sub-Committee on Repatriation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe described the exercise as a significant achievement in the lifetime of the present administration.
“This homecoming is a testament to our collective resolve. We are not just moving people; we are restoring lives and reigniting hope in our communities,” Wakilbe stated.
In a show of regional solidarity, the Governor of Cameroon Far North Region, Minjinyawa Bakari, personally bade the refugees farewell, reaffirming bilateral cooperation in addressing the humanitarian impact of insurgency around Lake Chad.
Upon arrival in Pulka, the returnees were formally received by local authorities and security officials. In a show of gratitude,some of the returnees knelt to touch the soil of their homeland; others offered prayers, while children many of whom had spent most of their lives abroad, observed their ancestral home with curiosity.
Each household head received ₦500,000 in cash, with an additional ₦50,000 to each wife to facilitate smooth reintegration.
The Borno State Government provided mattresses and wrappers, while the National Commission for Refugees supplied essential food items, including rice, millet, beans, and cooking oil.
This phase of the exercise is a broader strategy to stabilise resettled communities, rebuild infrastructure, and restore livelihoods across insurgency-affected communities.
Personalities that accompanied the Chairman of the Borno State Sub-Committee on Repatriation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe included members of House of Assembly representing Kaga, Gwoza and Gulumba Woloji, Honourable Mustafa Alibe Benishiekh, Buba Abatcha, Baba Shehu Gulumba, Chairman Gwoza local government, Abba Shehu Timta and official of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons Mr. Murdakai Titus.
First Batch of 300 Refugees Returns to Gwoza in Landmark Homecoming
VP Shettima, Governor Buni attend Zulum’s children’s wedding Fatiha in Maiduguri.
By: Yahaya Wakili
Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima GCON; His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudden Abbas; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin; governors; emirs; and other dignitaries attend the wedding Fatiha of the children of Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State became the Wali of the groom, Muhammad Idi Barde Gubana, the son of the deputy governor of Yobe State, while Alhaji Muhammad Indimi was the Wali to the bride, Aisha Babagana Umara Zulum, the daughter of the governor of Borno State.
The marriage contract was finally sealed after the confirmation of the presentation of the medical certificate of fitness and 12 gold coins, and it was officiated by Imam Shettima Mamman Saleh, the chief imam of the Borno State Emirate Council, who offered prayers to Almighty Allah for the success of the marriage.
Also in attendance were the governors of Gombe, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Jigawa states as well as the deputy governor of Imo state.
Other dignitaries in attendance include the minister of budget and economic planning, former secretary to the Yobe state government Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali MNI, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Speaker of the Gombe state House of Assembly, Yobe state Head of Civil Service Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Shehu, and heads of agencies and parastatals.
The wedding Fatiha also witnesses the royal highnesses and fathers included. His Highness, the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Abali Muhammad Idriss, CON, CFR; Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema II; Emir of Machina; Damaturu; Gudi; Fune; Jajere; Ngelzarma; as well as over thirty emirs from Borno State
VP Shettima, Governor Buni attend Zulum’s children’s wedding Fatiha in Maiduguri.
Troops conduct clearance operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have carried out a clearance operation targeting suspected insurgent enclaves in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted on April 19 at about 1000 hrs by troops of 29 Task Force Brigade in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The troops, mounted on Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers and gun trucks, advanced from Benisheikh through key routes including Qwayari, Karnakasari, the Camel Route and Mainok axis.
According to the sources, the operation was aimed at clearing suspected Boko Haram enclaves and denying insurgents freedom of movement within the corridor.
However, for now, no contact was made with insurgents during the operation, as the operation continues.
Military authorities said the exercise was part of sustained clearance and domination operations across the North-East theatre.
They added that the overall security situation in the region remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and operational efficiency remained high.
Troops conduct clearance operation in Borno
Troops arrest four Berom criminal youths involved in causing havoc in Barkin Ladi LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 (Sub-Sector 41) under Operation Safe Haven have arrested four suspected criminals during a raid operation on an identified hideout in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 2115 hrs on April 18 at the NTV Mazat area in Gashish District, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements in the locality.
During the raid, troops stormed the location and apprehended four suspects identified as Aaron Joshua, 21; Ernest David, 21; Ishaya Haruna, 19; and Kyenshak Yakubu, 28.
It was gathered that the suspects were involved in several atrocities and part of the wider network of youths causing havoc in several communities.
The suspects were reportedly taken into custody and subjected to preliminary profiling as part of ongoing investigations to determine their involvement in criminal activities within the area.
Security sources said the raid was part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks and deny them freedom of action in the general area.
Troops arrest four Berom criminal youths involved in causing havoc in Barkin Ladi LGA
VP Shettima, Governor Buni attend Zulum’s children’s wedding Fatiha in Maiduguri.
Troops conduct clearance operation in Borno
Troops arrest four Berom criminal youths involved in causing havoc in Barkin Ladi LGA
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