Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced a cash incentive of ₦500,000 for Nigerian refugees living in Cameroon who are willing to return home, aiming to help them rebuild homes and restart livelihoods after over a decade of insurgency.

Speaking at Minawao Refugee Camp in Cameroon’s Far North region on Monday, Governor Zulum assured displaced citizens that security, particularly in the Gwoza axis, has significantly improved due to coordinated military operations and community-based security initiatives.

“The welfare of refugees, internally displaced persons, and returnees remains a priority for us,” Zulum said. “Borno State, in partnership with the Federal Government, will provide ₦500,000 to each refugee willing to return, while women-headed households will receive ₦100,000 each.”

Cameroon’s Far North Governor, Mijinyawa Bakari, praised Zulum’s hands-on approach and humanitarian interventions over the years, highlighting that his efforts have strengthened cross-border cooperation on counterterrorism and civilian protection.

During the visit, Zulum inspected farmlands allocated to Nigerian refugees, many of whom have lived in Minawao for nearly ten years. He also pledged support in the form of irrigation kits, boreholes, and farm assistance, emphasizing that economic empowerment is crucial to restoring dignity and ensuring a smooth return.

Zulum stressed that refugee camps in Cameroon, Niger, and Chad must eventually close as security improves in Borno, despite concerns from rights groups that many returnees may still face vulnerabilities and limited access to basic services.

The governor was accompanied by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, Gwoza lawmaker Abdullahi Buba Abatcha, commissioners, and the Gwoza Local Government Chairman.

If implemented, this initiative could mark one of the largest organised returns of Boko Haram refugees since 2014, though questions remain about the state’s capacity to safely absorb thousands of returnees at once.

Zulum remains confident, leaving the ultimate decision to the refugees themselves.