Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced plans to close the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Konduga Local Government Area as part of the state’s ongoing post-insurgency recovery and resettlement programme aimed at restoring normalcy in communities affected by the Boko Haram conflict.
The announcement comes after the successful closure of the Bama IDP camp, the largest displacement camp outside Maiduguri and the ongoing plans to wind down the camp in Gwoza Local Government Area.
Governor Zulum made the disclosure during a visit to Konduga, where he held consultations with displaced persons and inspected ongoing housing projects designed to facilitate their safe and dignified return to their communities.
Resettlement Will Be Voluntary
Addressing journalists after meeting with the displaced persons, Governor Zulum emphasized that the government would not compel anyone to return to their ancestral homes against their wishes.
He explained that the relocation process would only commence after extensive consultations with the affected families and adequate preparations had been completed.
”We are not carrying out the resettlement process immediately; we are here to discuss with the IDPs so that in the next four months they will be resettled in a dignified manner. I believe you heard from the IDPs that they are willing to return home. Return shall be voluntary, not by force,” the governor said.
The governor reiterated that the Borno State Government remains committed to respecting the rights and choices of displaced persons while ensuring their safety, security, and access to essential services before any relocation takes place.
Inspection of Amarwa Resettlement City
As part of the visit, Governor Zulum inspected the ongoing construction of the Amarwa Resettlement City in Konduga Local Government Area.
The housing estate, whose foundation was earlier laid by the governor, is designed to provide permanent accommodation for displaced families currently residing in camps.
The project forms part of the state’s broader recovery strategy focused on rebuilding communities destroyed by insurgency while reducing dependence on humanitarian camps.
Officials overseeing the project briefed the governor on the pace of construction, as the state government intensifies efforts to complete the houses within the stipulated timeframe.
Maiwa Housing Project Equipped with Essential Services
Governor Zulum also visited Maiwa in neighbouring Mafa Local Government Area, where another large-scale resettlement housing project is under construction.
The estate includes modern housing units alongside essential public infrastructure intended to improve the quality of life for returning residents.
Facilities being developed within the community include:
A primary healthcare centre
Safe water supply facilities
Other basic social amenities to support sustainable living
The government says the provision of these facilities is intended to ensure that resettled families can rebuild their lives with access to healthcare, clean water, and other essential public services.
Borno’s Recovery Strategy
The Borno State Government has continued to pursue a comprehensive recovery programme that combines reconstruction, security improvements, livelihood support, and community rehabilitation.
Over the past few years, thousands of displaced persons have voluntarily returned to their communities following improvements in security and the rebuilding of critical infrastructure across several local government areas.
The closure of IDP camps is part of the government’s long-term objective of restoring normal community life while reducing prolonged dependence on humanitarian assistance.
Authorities maintain that all resettlement exercises are being carried out in collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions, development partners, and community leaders to ensure safety and sustainability.
Officials Present During the Visit
Governor Zulum was accompanied during the inspection by several senior government officials, including:
Member representing Konduga in the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba.
Member representing Konduga in the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Bukar Modu.
Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele.
Other senior government officials involved in the state’s reconstruction and resettlement programme.
Commitment to Sustainable Resettlement
The latest inspection underscores the Borno State Government’s commitment to providing durable housing and essential public infrastructure for displaced families while ensuring that every return is voluntary, safe, and conducted with dignity.
With ongoing projects in Amarwa, Maiwa, Gwoza, and other communities, the state continues to advance its long-term vision of rebuilding conflict-affected areas, restoring livelihoods, and enabling displaced residents to return home under improved conditions.
