Over 100,000 Nigerians Refugees in Cameroon, Says FG

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reported that over 100,000 Nigerians are refugees in Cameroon, primarily due to ongoing conflicts and instability in the region. This disclosure was made during a press conference ahead of the 2026 World Refugee Day.

The UNHCR is involved in supporting these refugees, with the Borno State government facilitating the return of 10,000 individuals in 2021, alongside an additional 7,000 from Chad and 3,000 from Cameroon. However, the Nigerian Commission has stated that repatriation cannot be forced and must be voluntary, as refugees must decide to return home under certain conditions.

The current situation is further complicated by recent flooding in Nigeria, which has increased the number of refugees, with estimates suggesting that there are at least 150,000 Nigerians living in various countries, including Cameroon and others in West Africa. Bernadette Muteshi, the UNHCR Deputy Representative in Nigeria, emphasized the need for the Federal Government to ensure the management of refugees does not hinder economic realities.