Nigeria has repatriated around 3,000 of its citizens from Chad, Niger and Cameroon since the start of 2026, the federal government announced on World Refugee Day.
Tijani Ahmed, Honourable Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), disclosed the figure during a commemoration event in Abuja.
He highlighted the commission’s role in receiving and registering asylum seekers from neighbouring countries, including Cameroonians in states such as Adamawa, Cross River, Benue, Taraba and Akwa Ibom, and Nigeriens in Borno and Yobe.
“About 3,000 Nigerian refugees were voluntarily repatriated back to Nigeria in Borno State in January 2026,” Ahmed said.
“Efforts are in place to sign a tripartite agreement for the voluntary return of Nigerian refugees in Niger Republic,” he added.
Ahmed expressed concern over global conflicts generating new humanitarian pressures, citing “tragic images” from Sudan, Syria, Cameroon, Niger, Turkey, Eastern DRC and the Middle East.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the principle of non-refoulement, granting asylum seekers access to its territory.
