Borno Youth Fleeing To Cameroon And Chad: A Call For Urgent Action -By Hauwa Yahi Migla

Across the arid borders of Borno State, a troubling migration trend is emerging. In increasing numbers, young people are leaving their communities and crossing into neighboring Cameroon and Chad. What was once a trickle has become a steady stream, with youth from towns like Gamboru, Ngala, and Bama abandoning their homes in search of work, safety, and survival.

These young migrants are not criminals or extremists — they are simply desperate. Many of them are school dropouts, informal workers, or even university graduates who see no future within their communities. They are driven by poverty, insecurity, lack of opportunities, and a growing sense of hopelessness. For them, migration across the border is not a choice — it’s a last resort.

The devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency over the last decade has destroyed lives, livelihoods, and the economic backbone of Borno. Although some stability is returning under the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, many communities remain fragile. Farmlands have yet to recover, schools are struggling to function, and job opportunities remain few and far between. Unemployment among Borno’s youth is at a crisis level. With no jobs, little vocational support, and limited access to startup capital, many youths are idle, frustrated, and vulnerable. The few economic activities that once sustained local populations have been disrupted or destroyed. This has created a perfect storm, pushing young men and women to risk everything in foreign countries where they have no rights, protections, or guarantees of a better life.

The consequences of this migration are deeply concerning. In Cameroon and Chad, many of these young Nigerians take on menial, exploitative jobs. Some are victims of human trafficking and abuse. Others fall into the hands of criminal groups or are exploited by unscrupulous agents. Their families back home live in constant anxiety, unsure if they will ever see their children again. Beyond individual suffering, this migration wave is weakening Borno’s long-term development. The region is losing its youthful workforce — the very people who should be rebuilding farms, reopening markets, and reviving the economy. Without the youth, the dream of a truly recovered Borno becomes increasingly difficult to achieve.

Governor Zulum has been widely praised for his leadership and dedication to rebuilding the state. He has shown courage in the face of adversity and compassion toward displaced communities. However, this youth migration crisis demands urgent and focused attention. Young people in Borno need to see hope where they are, not across a border. There is a need for expanded youth empowerment initiatives across Borno, especially in the most affected local government areas. More vocational centers, skill acquisition programs, and accessible microfinance schemes should be established. Agricultural support and job creation must be prioritized, particularly for returnees and internally displaced persons. Investments in education and mentorship can also help rebuild confidence among the youth.

In addition, the government must work with traditional leaders, NGOs, and local communities to identify those at risk of migrating and provide them with alternatives. Border surveillance and regional cooperation should also be strengthened to protect youth from illegal recruiters and traffickers. The youth of Borno are not lost — they are simply looking for where they belong. If given the right support, they can become the builders, educators, farmers, and innovators that Borno desperately needs. But that will only happen if the government acts now.

This is a call to Governor Zulum and all stakeholders in Borno’s future: the youth must not be left behind. Their future — and the future of Borno — depends on the choices made today.

HAUWA YAHI MIGLA IS A 300 LEVEL STUDENT FROM MASS COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI.