IDP Relocation in Borno Raises Fresh Security Concerns

The Nigerian Army has relocated many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to newly constructed camps in Monguno, Borno State, as part of efforts to improve their welfare and strengthen security in the area.

The move comes amid fresh concerns over security breaches in some settlements, with the region still facing threats from insurgent groups like Boko Haram.

In a statement, Lieutenant Ayodeji Abiodun, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, said several new camps have been established, with many IDPs already moved from makeshift shelters.

The statement read, “With the construction of the new camps, many of these IDPs moved from the makeshift structures to the camps, except IDPs from areas within the Marte axis that still remain in the makeshift structures within the town. They rejected relocation to the new camps.”

According to the Army, some IDPs—particularly from the Marte axis—refused relocation, making it harder to fully secure and monitor all camps.

The military also raised concerns about possible infiltration by terrorists, alleging that some residents of Gana Ali and Stadium IDP camps have been harbouring insurgents.

“Intelligence revealed that residents of Gana Ali and Stadium IDP camps have been providing accommodation for terrorist infiltrators when they carry out attacks on military deployments in the area,” the statement said.

It added that the situation has made some camps unsafe, with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) unable to operate in certain areas after suffering losses.

“The CJTF have duty locations in all parts of the town, except at GG, Gana Ali, and Stadium IDP camps, as their personnel, earlier deployed on guard duties at these places, were killed by terrorists who infiltrated the area,” the IDP Relocation in Borno Raises Fresh Security Concernsstatement added.