60,000 Nigerians Return Home as IOM Expands Lifeline for Stranded Migrants

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

No fewer than 60,000 Nigerians who were once stranded along dangerous migration routes across West and Central Africa have now safely returned home, marking a major milestone in humanitarian efforts led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The returnees are being supported through structured reintegration programmes designed to help them rebuild their lives, regain stability, and restore dignity after enduring harsh conditions abroad.

IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, disclosed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri, Borno State, noting that the initiative has been ongoing since 2017. She explained that the programme provides tailored support to migrants as they transition from uncertainty to self-reliance.

“Through our reintegration support, migrants are empowered to rebuild their livelihoods and move forward with dignity,” she said, adding that many beneficiaries are already making meaningful progress in their communities.

Dimanche highlighted the recent return of 181 Nigerians from Libya on March 10, 2026, describing it as a significant step that reflects the strong collaboration between IOM, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the European Union, and its member states.

She noted that for many returnees, the journey back home represents a turning point, away from exploitation, abuse, and life-threatening migration experiences, and toward a future anchored on recovery and opportunity.

Beyond facilitating returns, the IOM has provided reintegration assistance to over 38,000 Nigerians. The support includes vocational training, business start-up grants, educational opportunities, and psychosocial care aimed at helping returnees reintegrate into society successfully.

“The return of migrants is not the end of their story,” Dimanche emphasized. “With the right support, they can rebuild their lives, grow, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

She added that successful reintegration not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens communities and supports long-term development.

Data from the organization shows that in 2025 alone, 14,787 Nigerians were assisted to return home safely, while more than 2,500 have already benefited from the programme in 2026.

Dimanche also raised concern over the vulnerability of many migrants, revealing that a significant number of those assisted are survivors of human trafficking, exploitation, and severe abuse along migration routes.

She stressed the need for sustained, route-based interventions that ensure access to protection services, safe return pathways, and continuous reintegration support for affected individuals.

The IOM reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to provide life-saving assistance and create opportunities for returnees to rebuild their futures, one life at a time.

Zulum Spends Night in Pulka, Disburses N900m Relief to 30,000 Boko Haram-Affected Households

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the release of N900 million alongside large quantities of food and essential supplies to support about 30,000 households affected by recent Boko Haram attacks in Gwoza Local Government Area.

In a rare show of frontline leadership, the governor spent Saturday night in Pulka, a border community near Cameroon, where he personally coordinated security efforts following renewed attacks in Ngoshe, Pulka, and surrounding areas. The visit marks the first time a sitting governor has stayed overnight in the town, located about 22 kilometres from Gwoza.

Before overseeing the distribution of relief materials on Sunday, Zulum held a closed-door meeting with military commanders, security agencies, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force. The discussions focused on strengthening security operations, particularly across border communities and key corridors such as the Gwoza–Bitta–Damboa axis.

Addressing residents, the governor emphasised that leadership requires sacrifice and direct engagement with the people. He noted that his administration has consistently prioritised reaching vulnerable communities rather than governing from a distance.

“True leadership is about being present where people need you the most, not remaining in comfort while others suffer,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to grassroots governance.

As part of the intervention, Zulum announced that each household head in Ngoshe would receive N30,000, while married women would be given N20,000. In addition, thousands of mattresses, clothing materials, and other relief items were distributed to ease the hardship faced by displaced families.

He further disclosed that similar support would be extended to Pulka, which has witnessed an influx of displaced persons fleeing violence in nearby communities.

The governor also acknowledged contributions from the Federal Government and business magnate Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who donated 30,000 bags of rice to assist vulnerable residents. He confirmed that Pulka would benefit from the distribution.

“We are not only supporting Ngoshe but also Pulka and other affected communities with both food and non-food items to cushion their suffering,” Zulum stated.

Calling for stronger community collaboration, the governor urged residents to work closely with security agencies by providing credible information that could help tackle insecurity.

“Security is a shared responsibility. Without the cooperation of the people, it will be difficult to end this crisis,” he warned.

Items distributed during the exercise included bags of rice, maize, and sorghum, as well as bedding materials such as mattresses and plastic mats.

The governor was accompanied by key political and government officials, including Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, Hon. Ahmed Usman Jaha, and Hon. Bukar Talba, among others.

Zulum reassured the affected communities of sustained efforts by both the state and federal governments to restore peace, rebuild livelihoods, and ensure long-term stability across Borno State.

“We Will Not Abandon You” — Zulum Reassures Ngoshe Victims, Vows Stronger Security Response

By Auwal Ahmad Umar 

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities as he visited victims of the Ngoshe attack currently sheltering in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area.

The visit, aimed at restoring hope and strengthening resilience among displaced residents, follows the March 4 attack on Ngoshe, which forced many families to flee their homes.

Speaking to the displaced persons at Pulka Central Primary School, Zulum conveyed heartfelt sympathy and assured them that both the federal and state governments are intensifying efforts to secure the area and prevent further attacks.

“We share in your pain and remain fully committed to ensuring your safety. Measures are being reinforced to restore peace in Ngoshe and its environs,” he said.

The governor, who has now visited the victims for the second time, expressed concern over the security situation in Gwoza and reiterated that no effort would be spared in addressing emerging threats across the state.

He also pledged that those still in captivity would be rescued, while steps would be taken to rebuild homes and public infrastructure destroyed during the attack to enable safe return for displaced residents.

Zulum called on affected communities to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, stressing that local cooperation is key to defeating insurgency.

In a move to ease the hardship faced by the displaced population, the governor announced the immediate distribution of relief materials, including food and essential household items, to victims and their host community in Pulka.

“Support will reach every affected household. We understand your challenges and will continue to stand by you during this difficult period,” he assured.

On security strategy, Zulum revealed plans to meet with military commanders and other security stakeholders, including the Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters, and vigilantes, to strengthen surveillance and response operations in the area.

He noted that the ongoing fight against insurgency is being driven by coordinated efforts between security forces and local communities.

The governor was accompanied on the visit by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, lawmakers, commissioners, and other government officials from Gwoza, underscoring a unified front in addressing the crisis.