UK, EU Envoys visit Borno, meet Zulum to assess resettlement efforts
Story by Okafor Vivian
A high-level delegation of international partners on Thursday visited Borno State to engage conflict-affected communities and discuss long-term strategies for the safe resettlement of displaced persons.
The one-day mission, according to a statement from the British High Commission in Abuja, included meetings with Governor Babagana Zulum and the Commanding Officer of the Banki Garrison.
The visit focused on deepening cooperation with the state government to create safe and sustainable pathways for millions of displaced people across the North-East.
READ ALSO: Troops neutralise suspected boko haram fighter in Borno ambush
Delegates on the mission included the UK’s Head of Development Cooperation in Abuja, Cynthia Rowe; Denmark’s Ambassador, Jens Hansen; Finland’s Ambassador, Sanne Selin; Germany’s Ambassador, Annett Günther; the Netherlands’ Ambassador, Bengt Loosdrecht; and the UNHCR Representative to Nigeria, Arjun Jain.
Discussions centred on ensuring that internally displaced persons, refugee returnees, and host communities can make informed, voluntary, and safe decisions about resettlement after years of conflict. The talks also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, security forces, and international partners to guarantee safety, dignity, and adequate support during relocation processes.
As part of the mission, the envoys visited several humanitarian intervention sites to assess ongoing projects and interact with beneficiaries. Stops included the El-Miskin IDP Camp and Musari community in Maiduguri, where they met displaced women and families receiving education, food, and livelihood support.
READ ALSO: Nigerian correctional officer, Olukemi Ibikunle, wins 2025 UN trailblazer award
A key part of the visit was a tour of Banki, a frontline garrison town in Bama LGA that has endured years of insurgency. Delegates inspected recovery and resilience projects implemented with support from development partners.
Speaking during the visit, Cynthia Rowe reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s stabilisation efforts.
“The United Kingdom remains steadfast in its support for Nigeria’s efforts to build lasting peace and stability in the North-East,” she said. “Our partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to security, dignity, and opportunity for all communities affected by conflict and displacement. Through collaborative initiatives like those in Borno, we are helping to lay the foundations for recovery, resilience, and hope.”
The visit comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. According to the British High Commission, 34 million Nigerians are at risk of acute food insecurity, while nearly six million people in the North-East are already experiencing crisis-level hunger. Malnutrition rates have surged sharply, with warnings that more than 1,000 children under five could die every day in the next three months without urgent action.
READ ALSO: Troops neutralise suspected boko haram fighter in Borno ambush
The Commission added that persistent insecurity, climate shocks, and funding shortages have forced several aid agencies to scale back life-saving services.
This year, the UK is supporting partners such as the World Food Programme and UNICEF with a £45 million humanitarian package aimed at providing food assistance, treating malnutrition, protecting civilians, and maintaining essential supply routes in the North-East.
The envoys underscored the need for sustained global support and improved local coordination to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
