The number of Nigerian refugees who voluntarily returned home under a tripartite repatriation agreement more than doubled in the first quarter of 2026, rising by 1,805 persons from 1,705 in February to 3,510 by April, according to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).
The returnees, primarily from Cameroon and Niger, were facilitated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the governments of Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger under a voluntary repatriation framework. The increase reflects improved security conditions in parts of northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno and Yobe states.
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria also saw a slight decrease, with the number of IDPs dropping from 2.1 million in January to 2.05 million by March 2026, as reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). However, humanitarian challenges persist, with many returnees facing limited access to housing, healthcare, and education.
The NCFRMI stated that the repatriation process includes documentation, transportation, and reintegration support, such as cash assistance and livelihood training. The agency aims to facilitate the return of an additional 5,000 refugees by the end of 2026, pending security assessments and funding.
