Nigeria appeals to international community to assist resettle millions of refugees

By Timothy Olanrewaju

ABUJA, Nigeria (AA) - Nigeria on Friday appealed to the international community to assist in the resettlement of millions of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country's northeast.

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno State, the hotspot of Boko Haram's decade-long attacks, said on Friday 1.2 million refugees and displaced persons still live in camps in the state as well as neighboring Niger and Chad.

"This is still worrisome because IDPs are living on supports from government and donors but this is no longer sustainable. We appeal to international community and government to support us to resettle them," he pleaded at a meeting with the country's National Assembly committee.

He said the terrorist activities are still going on despite military action, calling for more support for the Nigerian forces.

Boko Haram and its split group, ISWAP, have been carrying out attacks since 2009 in Nigeria, one of Africa's largest nations.