News
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
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
Armed bandits attack Konkoso Village, kill two in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have killed two people and razed homes during an attack on Konkoso Village in Niger State, security sources said.
According to sources, the incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 17 when a large group of bandits invaded the village, shot two residents whose identities are yet to be confirmed, and set several houses on fire.
The attackers also looted shops and carted away food items before leaving Konkoso Village and moving toward Pissa Village in Pissa District.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to track the bandits and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Armed bandits attack Konkoso Village, kill two in Niger
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
Armed bandits attack Konkoso Village, kill two in Niger
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