According to the National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA, thousands of Nigerians were displaced from their homes in Niger republic because the country's government wanted to carry out anti-Boko Haram operations in the areas affected, IOL reports. 

“The need arose because the Niger government wanted to conduct military operations in those areas,” Air Commodore Charles Otedegba, director of Search and Rescue at NEMA said.

“They offered to relocate the Nigerians citizens to some of the IDPs (internally displaced people) camps within Niger but the people refused and chose to come back home.” he added.

Read More - Nigerians Deported From Niger Starve to Death On The Way Home