The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) says plans are underway to repatriate Nigerian refugees in Chad and Cameroon who wish to return.

Tijani Ahmed, NCFRMI federal commissioner, stated this during a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Ahmed explained that 20,000 Nigerians, representing about 3,000 households, took refuge in Chad, while 14,000 households were in Cameroon.

He said that although the cost implications of the exercise had not been ascertained, the commission would partner with the government of Borno and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide shelter and logistics.

“In 2022, we had a very serious flood that caused some Nigerians to move to Chad and some of them to Cameroon and other factors include the herders and farmers clashes and Boko Haram crises.

“So, we will enhance the repatriation and ensure that the people return in safety and dignity,” Mr Ahmed said.

Bernadette Muteshi, the deputy representative of UNHCR, commended the leadership of the commission for working in this endeavour, saying that the agency would support a credible process and ensure safety and dignity.

“We are happy to see the government leadership in this endeavour. We are particularly happy to note that the voices of the Nigerians who want to return back home have been heard and are being acted upon.

“We will try to ensure that this process happens as soon as it’s practically feasible by putting all the elements to get along with you. We want to ensure that people exercise their basic human rights, have the ability to come home and go to any place in the country that they desire to go back to,” Ms Muteshi said.

She further hoped that all arrangements could be in place to meet the aspirations of the people that had been cared for.

(NAN)