The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) says it is concerned over plans by Cameroon to evict Nigerians refugees.
Cameroon is currently home to more than 370,000 refugees, including some 100,000 from Nigeria, according to UNHCR.
“We are gravely concerned for the safety and well-being of all these people”, said Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees.
The UN refugee agency said 267 Nigerian refugees were forcibly returned on January 16.
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UNHCR said the move to force several thousand Nigerians back to Borno will put their lives in danger.
Grandi said: “This action was totally unexpected and puts lives of thousands of refugees at risk.
“I am appealing to Cameroon to continue its open door and hospitable policy and practices and halt immediately any more returns and to ensure full compliance with its refugee protection obligations under its own national legislation, as well as international law.”
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North-east Nigeria is the hardest-hit region by the insurgency.
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