- The deportees were forced back in a convoy of 6 trucks provided by the Nigerian military and Cameroonian police
- They were transported back to Banki in Borno state from the Kolofata border site in Cameroon
- The UNHCR has appealed to Nigeria and Cameroon to refrain from any further forced returns and facilitate a voluntary return process
A recent incident of forced returns of Nigerian refugees fleeing Boko Haram from Cameroon has caused an alarm at the UN.
The returnees comprised of 233 females, 187 males, 236 girls and 231 boys.
In a press release issued by the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi, the international body stated: “The involuntary return of refugees must be avoided under any circumstances.”
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The UNHCR is alarmed as the forced returns are made amidst an absence of conditions to make such movements safe and sustainable.
The incident occurred on June 27, and the returnees were forced back in a convoy of 6 trucks provided by the Nigerian military and Cameroonian police.
They were transported from the Kolofata border site in Cameroon back to Banki in Borno state, Nigeria.
The returnees reportedly received a 7 day notice to leave from the Cameroonian authorities on June 19.
Both Nigeria and Cameroon have been urged by the UNHCR to avoid further forced returns.
The UN agency has appealed to both nations to ensure a facilitated voluntary return process in line with international standards.
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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that the government of the United Kingdom deported 35 Nigerians for committing immigration-related offences in the country.
The deportees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.
They comprised of 30 males and five females, brought back aboard a chartered Titanic Airways aircraft with registration Number: G-POWO.
Watch this NAIJ.com TV video of Boko Haram child survivors
