Insecurity and the Repatriation of Cameroonian Anglophone Refugees in Nigeria Back to Cameroon

ABSTRACT The Voluntary Repatriation Program (VRP) is the effort by the UNHCR to support refugees globally who decides to return to their home country. The Ambazonian clashes with the Cameroon government led to over 60,000 refugees crossing into Nigeria between 2017 and 2022. However, while studies have explored the causes of the conflict and how the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its interventions have tackled the survival challenges of the Cameroonian refugees in Cross River State, this research assesses how successful is the voluntary repatriation program in the relocation of the Cameroonian refugees back to Cameroon. Theoretically, the study was anchored on the Global Governance Theory. Survey and documentary methods were used to gather data; while the data generated were analyzed using content analysis. Findings indicate that insecurity is the major factor hampering the voluntary return of Cameroonian refugees in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study recommends improved security situation in Cameroon for a safe return of refugees.