Nigerian Army Accuses IDPs Of Sheltering Boko Haram, Orders Relocation Of Thousands Of Borno Victims To New Camp

The Nigerian Army has ordered the relocation of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Gana Ali and Stadium camps in Monguno, Borno State, following allegations that some residents have been harbouring Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists responsible for deadly attacks in the area.

In a press statement issued on April 15, 2026, the military said the decision followed intelligence reports linking the camps to insurgent activities, including providing shelter and logistical support to fighters infiltrating Monguno from the Marte axis.

According to the statement signed by Lieutenant Ayodeji Abiodun, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Sector 3 of Operation Hadin Kai, the affected camps—Gana Ali, GG and Stadium—had “long become a notorious hideout” for terrorists operating within the town.

The Army alleged that some IDPs in the camps offered accommodation and concealment to insurgents, enabling them to launch attacks on military formations and security facilities in Monguno.

“The terrorists and their sympathisers have created a safe haven right inside Monguno town from where they are able to coordinate attacks,” the statement said.

The military cited a series of recent attacks, including assaults on an immigration office that reportedly led to the death of officers, attacks on troops at military positions identified as Charlie 13, and a rise in kidnappings linked to infiltrators.

Particularly, the Army referenced an April 12, 2026 attack on troops at Charlie 13, alleging that insurgents used structures within Gana Ali camp to stage the operation.

According to the military, an advance team of fighters planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushed reinforcements, including the Commanding Officer of the 242 Battalion.

The Army further claimed that some of the buildings used by insurgents were occupied by relatives of the fighters, who allegedly provided cover for their operations.

Following these findings, the military said it identified and cleared structures believed to have been used for planting explosives and hiding insurgents.

It added that residents of the affected areas were given time to relocate before the clearance operation commenced.

“All IDPs in the affected camps are now to be moved to the Rapid Response Camp in Monguno for better protection, administration and surveillance,” the statement said.

The Army argued that the relocation was necessary because the camps were located along routes that allowed easy and unnoticed access for insurgents entering from Marte, a known hotspot for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

While insisting that the operation is being carried out in line with rules of engagement and with respect for human rights, the military urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

“Law-abiding residents are advised to go about their legitimate activities and report any suspicious movements,” the statement added.

The development comes amid ongoing concerns over the safety and welfare of IDPs in Nigeria’s conflict-ridden North-East, where civilians often find themselves caught between military operations and insurgent violence.