The federal government is to build three integrated villages to resettle 20,000 Nigerian refugees from neighbouring countries of Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State disclosed this while chairing a technical committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr Zulum, who is also the vice-chairman, Presidential Committee on Repatriation, Return and Resettlement of Refugees and Management of Repentant Boko Haram Members, said at least 20,000 persons took refuge in neighbouring countries.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the release of N15 billion to the committee, with the Borno government handling the construction of the villages.

The governor said the aim was the resettlement of the returnees from the neighboring countries.

Mr Zulum explained that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) would provide food and non-food relief materials.

According to him, the National Refugees Commission will coordinate the repatriation process of the refugees living in Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, while the Defence Headquarters will provide adequate security for the exercise.

The governor also said the construction of the villages and the repatriation process would be conducted in phases, and only those willing to return would be considered.

The meeting was attended by the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, representatives of all the relevant agencies, security operatives, and humanitarian organisations, among others.

(NAN)