In northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State, there are many internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled their homes due to decades of violence from Boko Haram and its splinter groups. Over the years, government authorities, especially under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, have begun closing displacement camps. The official reasons include improved security, “restoring dignity” to those displaced, reducing dependency on aid, and encouraging people to return to their original or nearby communities.
One camp that has been in focus is the Muna displaced persons camp in Maiduguri. It has housed people for many years, but authorities dismantled much of its infrastructure (including water supply), evacuated many, and declared some places safe for return.
Why Many Displaced People Stay
Despite this, many residents insist on staying in or near the camps. Their reasons are rooted in fears—of Boko Haram attacks, kidnappings, continuing violence. For instance, Maryam Suleiman, a widow with children, refuses to return to her hometown (Dongo), 49 km from Maiduguri, saying, “They’re still killing people there.” She’d lost her brothers there to Boko Haram.
Others note that even in areas declared safe, violence has resumed. Attacks have been reported in places like Marte, Dikwa, Rann, Gajiram and others. These communities, though considered secure enough for resettlement, are still under threat.
There are also practical and humanitarian concerns:
- When camps were shut or major support withdrawn, many people lost access to basic services (water, food, schooling). In Muna, aid and NGO presence diminished after closure orders.
- Returned areas often lack infrastructure or repaired homes; agricultural lands destroyed; livelihoods shattered. For some, returning means returning to ruin or near‑fight zones.
The Human Cost & Challenges
Closing camps without ensuring real stability and rebuilding often pushes displaced people into deeper hardship. They may end up in informal settlements or self‑constructed shelters with poor sanitation, exposure to bad weather, little access to aid or food.
Psychological trauma, fear, insecurity weigh heavily. Many displaced remember their homes being attacked; returning could mean facing abduction, extortion (ransom demands by militants), or worse.
What Needs Doing
From what’s reported, the following seem critical:
- Authorities and aid organisations must ensure that areas declared “safe” truly are safe, with military/security presence, early warning systems, and community protection.
- Resettlement plans must rebuild essential services: water, schools, markets, housing. Without these, returning is not a viable option.
- Dialogue with displaced communities is essential: people should have real choices, not feel forced. Their fears and testimonies need to be taken seriously.
- Aid continuity even as camps close: food, health services, psychosocial support should not be abruptly cut.
In sum, many displaced Nigerians are caught between hunger, deteriorating camp conditions, and the fear of returning to places where the threat of Boko Haram remains. Closing camps may be part of a long‐term vision of recovery, but without solid guarantees and supports, it risks leaving vulnerable people exposed to danger and suffering.
