Operation HADIN KAI Brings Nigerians Home After 11 Years in Exile
By Passman Akpos
The Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has successfully facilitated the safe, dignified and orderly return of Nigerian refugees from the Republic of Cameroon to Borno State, reaffirming its commitment to people-centred military operations and humanitarian support.
The repatriation exercise took place on January 27, 2026, with troops of Sector 1, working in close synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilante groups, providing robust security for the cross-border movement of refugees through the Kirawa border into Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Many of the returnees had lived in exile for more than 11 years after being displaced by insurgency.
The refugees departed Minawawu in Cameroon, transited through Moruwa, and entered Nigeria via Kirawa. The operation was conducted in line with approved humanitarian and security protocols, highlighting the growing civil-military cooperation driving stabilisation efforts in the North East. The process was coordinated by officials of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), in collaboration with the Borno State Government and relevant security agencies.
A high-level Borno State Government delegation led by Engineer Wakilbe, representing Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, participated in the exercise. The delegation included the Chairman of Gwoza Local Government Area, a member of the Borno State House of Assembly representing Gwoza, senior state officials, and representatives of international humanitarian organisations including UNHCR and IOM.
On arrival at Maraban Kirawa, the returnees and delegation were received by the Commander, 26 Task Force Brigade, Sector 1, Brigadier General Nasiru Abdullahi, before being safely escorted to the designated reception centre in Pulka.
At the centre, more than 100 households were registered and provided with immediate relief assistance. The Borno State Government distributed financial support, wrappers and mattresses, while the Federal Government supplied food items. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) also provided cash assistance to help address temporary accommodation needs.
The returnees are expected to remain at the reception centre for comprehensive medical screening, while children will undergo routine immunisation jointly administered by military medical personnel and officials of the Gwoza Local Government Primary Healthcare Unit.
Following the successful reception, the delegation proceeded to Gwoza and is expected to return to Cameroon to facilitate the repatriation of additional batches of Nigerian refugees.
The Theatre Command confirmed that the operation was conducted without incident, noting that although the security environment remains calm but fluid, troops continue to maintain high morale, operational readiness and fighting efficiency.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its resolve to secure communities, protect civilians and support humanitarian and government-led initiatives aimed at restoring hope, rebuilding lives and ensuring the safe return of displaced Nigerians to their homes.
