Nigerian Refugee Returnees Increase by 1,800 in 2026

In the first quarter of 2026, the number of Nigerian refugee returnees rose by 1,800, reaching a total of 3,510 in April, up from 1,705 in February. This increase is part of a tripartite voluntary repatriation agreement involving returnees from Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, particularly affecting Borno State, which has been severely impacted by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies.

Data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicates that the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria surged to 3,544,519 during this period, with significant increases in the northwest due to rampant banditry. The report highlights that Borno State hosts the highest number of IDPs, with 11,318 remaining in the state.

The overall situation reflects ongoing challenges in managing displacement and return processes amid violence and insecurity in the region.