By Our Correspondent

National News – Nigeria recorded a sharp rise in returning refugees between February and April 2026, even as internal displacement escalated across several regions, according to new data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The figures show thousands of Nigerians are coming back from neighbouring countries, while insecurity continues to force more citizens from their homes.

The report indicates that 3,510 Nigerian refugees returned home by April, up from 1,705 in February, reflecting a significant increase within three months.

These returnees arrived mainly from Cameroon, Niger, and Chad under a voluntary repatriation arrangement and are being resettled in Borno State, a region long affected by insurgency linked to Boko Haram.

Despite this progress, displacement within Nigeria worsened during the same period.

The number of Internally Displaced Persons rose by 166,795 in March alone, pushing the total to over 3.7 million nationwide.

The North-West region recorded the highest surge, driven by persistent bandit attacks in Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto states.

In the North-East, the crisis remains deeply rooted in insurgency, with Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe accounting for the majority of displacement cases.

Security incidents in the region increased compared to the same period in 2025, leading to fresh casualties and forcing more residents to flee their communities.

Although the number of Nigerian refugees living abroad dropped slightly to about 405,000, the overall humanitarian situation remains fragile.

The steady return of refugees suggests gradual improvement in some areas, but the growing number of displaced persons highlights ongoing instability.

Experts warn that without sustained security operations and stronger humanitarian support, the country may continue to face a cycle of displacement despite efforts to encourage safe returns.