The IDP Conundrum

The ongoing insurgency led by Boko Haram and other extremist groups has turned Borno State in North Eastern Nigeria into a centre of conflict and displacement. Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps have been a sanctuary for hundreds of thousands of people forced to flee their homes. However, in the past four years, the government of Borno State has made it a mission to shut down these camps. The government cites several reasons for the closure of IDP camps in Borno State. Primarily, there are significant security concerns. The camps have become security liabilities, with insurgents often infiltrating them, posing risks to both the displaced persons and the broader community. The government believes shutting down these camps is necessary to prevent further security breaches. Another reason for the shutdown is the government’s far-reaching goal of reintegration and rehabilitation. Authorities are keen to encourage IDPs to return to their home communities to rebuild their lives, aiming to foster long-term stability and development.

The closure of IDP camps has both positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, returning IDPs can contribute to their home communities’ reconstruction and economic revitalisation. Encouraging self-reliance can foster resilience and reduce the long-term burden on humanitarian aid organisations. Also, adequately managed returns can improve security by decreasing the concentration of vulnerable populations in target areas. However, there are significant adverse outcomes as well. Many home communities remain unsafe and lack essential services, making it difficult for returnees to reintegrate successfully. Without sufficient support, returnees may face heightened vulnerability to poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to healthcare and education. In some cases, if conditions in home communities remain dire, returnees may be forced to flee again, leading to secondary displacement. The influx of returnees can also strain limited resources in home communities, potentially exacerbating tensions and conflicts.

The closure of IDP camps, coupled with the occasional threats from jihadists forcing citizens out of their communities, has created a challenging situation for the persons affected by the crises. The Borno state government is seemingly tired of the security issues that plague the state. However, pretending the problem does not exist whilst calling for the reintegration of displaced citizens is not the solution. Primarily not when attacks are still being carried out in the region. The international community and humanitarian organisations have expressed concern about the premature closure of IDP camps. They call for a more gradual and carefully planned approach to ensure that returnees are adequately supported. There is also a push for increased funding and resources to bolster the capacity of home communities to absorb returnees and provide them with the necessary services. The shutdown of IDP camps in Borno State is a complex issue with significant implications for the displaced population and the region. While the government’s intentions to enhance security and foster self-reliance are understandable, the process must be handled with great care to avoid exacerbating the suffering of vulnerable populations. In handling the situation, patience and a robust security strategy are needed on the government’s part to ensure violent actors are weakened to their roots. A balanced approach that combines immediate humanitarian assistance with long-term development and security measures is crucial to ensuring a successful transition for IDPs returning to their home communities. Making Borno state safe once more will take gruelling effort and time. Without both sacrifices, the fight against the jihadists is bound to become a more prolonged duel for Nigerians.