A total of 1,295 displaced residents in Borno State have successfully returned to their homes as the state government intensify efforts to support the safe reintegration of families affected by years of insurgency.
These displaced families, who have been taking refuge in different border communities of Yobe state for over a decade, are now returning to their lands peacefully.
The movement was facilitated by the Yobe State Government through the office of the Security Adviser to Governor Mai Buni, retired Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam, in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency and security operatives.
Coordinated by government officials and security agencies, the return exercise has largely benefited women and children, who constitute the majority of those making the journey back.
The relocation commenced on Thursday morning as internally displaced persons who had earlier indicated their readiness to return began departing from their temporary settlements in Yobe state.
The exercise involved residents from the Water Board facility and the Roundabout axis along Maiduguri Road.
Moreover, the returnees travelled from Damaturu, Yobe State, to Maiduguri, Borno State, under security escort provided by the authorities.
A Borno government official who is among the reintegration team and requested not to be named, described the operation as a significant step toward restoring normalcy and helping affected families rebuild their lives.
According to the official, the movement has been carefully planned to ensure the safety and welfare of returnees throughout the process.
Free transportation and security arrangements were provided to ease the burden on displaced households.
The official said the operation was progressing smoothly, noting that security personnel remained on duty along the route to maintain order and reassure those returning home.
Meanwhile, the Borno official disclosed that profiling of the remaining displaced persons is ongoing to prepare additional groups for relocation.
“Profiling of the remaining IDPs is ongoing. In Kasaisa village, 93 households comprising 547 individuals have been registered,” the official said.
Also, some of the displaced residents expressed happiness over the opportunity to return to their communities after years away from home.
“We are excited to return to our ancestral homes in Borno State,” some of the returnees said during interactions with correspondents.
Adding further, the Borno government official said the provision of free transport and adequate security had helped reduce the challenges faced by displaced families.
He noted that efforts would continue to ensure the safe and orderly return of those still awaiting relocation.