The federal government on Wednesday said  all was set to  begin repatriation of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon, Niger and Chad back home.

Senator Basheer Mohammed, Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) made this known in Abuja during the meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on repatriation of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon.

Mr. Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the TWG, said that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the group to remain steadfast in carrying out the assignment of returning Nigerian refugees from the three countries.

He further affirmed that arrangements were already in top gear towards actualising the planned return of the refugees commencing with those in Cameroon from February 27.

He revealed that the TWG and the Cameroonian authorities  had met in Maroua, Cameroon from February 4 to February 10 to plan strategies for executing the voluntary repatriation of the refugees from Minawo Camp.

Mr. Mohammed further disclosed that the Borno State Government on its part had made adequate arrangements to accommodate the returning Nigerians.

He also commended the government and people of Cameroon for their patience and support for the refugees under their care and protection. 

Many Nigerian citizens have over the years been forced into exiled due to insurgents’ onslaught around communities bordering northeastern parts of the country.

(NAN)