Rushed Resettlement in Borno: A Gamble with Lives

Thousands of Nigerians who fled the Boko Haram insurgency have returned to their homes as part of a resettlement program. Despite closure of displacement camps, safety remains questionable. Many displaced people struggle with food scarcity and inadequate livelihood opportunities, risking reintegration without sufficient security measures.

As Boko Haram's insurgency persists in northeastern Nigeria, thousands of displaced Nigerians are returning home under a contentious resettlement initiative. With authorities shutting down camps, the strategy aims to project confidence in resolving the conflict. But many returnees, including Abdulhameed Salisu, face dire safety and economic challenges.

Spanning more than a decade, Boko Haram's conflict has resulted in over 35,000 civilian deaths and massive displacement in Nigeria and beyond. Efforts to relocate citizens expose them to renewed threats as the jihadist group continues attacks. Recent military rescues highlight ongoing instability in the region.

Despite official assurances, returnees struggle with inadequate security and scarce resources. Humanitarian agencies, like the World Food Program, emphasize the urgent need for aid and resilience-building measures. The situation calls for balanced solutions that prioritize safety while addressing the humanitarian crisis's root causes.

(With inputs from agencies.)