By Mustapha Buhari, Maiduguri
Officials of National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and Borno State Emergency Management, BOSEMA, in collaboration with Nigerian Immigration service have registered 22, 463 returnees from Niger Republic to Damsak Town in Mobar L.G.A Borno state.
The regional spokesman of NEMA, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, said the influx of the returnees displaced by insurgency is as a result of an agreement signed by Nigeria, Cameroun and Niger “for the safe and dignified return of the displaced persons”.
“Over 10,000 returnees are also expected to be registered upon return in the next few days.
“The team also conducted a needs assessment to facilitate the provision of aid and relief intervention.
“The International Red Cross is providing food for the returnees, while UNICEF is providing medical care supported by officials of Mobar Local government.
“As a proactive measure preparations are being made to receive and register more returnees expected to arrive from Cameroun through Banki town in Bama LGA and Ngamboru Ngala in Ngala LGA,” Mr Ibrahim said.
He also said a team of major humanitarian partners comprising UN Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Activities, OCHA, World food Program, WFP, United Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHCR, and government agencies would conduct a sectoral assessment in Damasak to complement any gaps in providing needs relating to shelter, food security, water and sanitation.
