Crisis Overview
Over July, Cameroon has repatriated an estimated 3,500 undocumented Nigerian asylum seekers towards Adamawa state. Another 12,000 are stranded at the Nigeria/Cameroon border in Adamawa state. They can be expected to be repatriated throughout August and are in urgent need of further assistance. Cameroon’s decision follows a series of Boko Haram attacks in Cameroon; Cameroonian authorities claim the militants have entered the country disguised as refugees. Significant shelter and WASH needs have been reported for returnees in Adamawa and Borno states. The current level of response is reportedly not covering basic needs and should be scaled up ahead of the expected additional arrivals.
Key Findings
Anticipated scope and scale
Up to 12,000 additional Nigerian refugees are expected to return to Nigeria from Cameroon in August. Relocation and registration processes from border points, in addition to national and international response, need to be scaled-up to prepare for these additional influxes. Further processes of repatriation of Nigerians from neighbouring countries, including in Chad, may put further pressure on host communities and increase the vulnerability of displaced populations. Displacement and food insecurity are prevalent in Adamawa and Borno states, and risk further deterioration in the coming weeks and months.
Priorities for humanitarian intervention
Shelter and NFIs: Returnees hosted in makeshift camps in Adamawa state are in need of significant shelter support. Organised process for relocation is still lacking. Consistency in the distribution of NFIs is also required;
WASH: Most returnees in Adamawa state lack access to potable water and personal hygiene materials.
Humanitarian constraints
Most local government areas (LGAs) in Borno state continue to be inaccessible due to insecurity;
Poor road conditions, damage to infrastructure and lack of communication further hamper humanitarian access.