Thousands of Nigerians return home in spite of terrorist attacks

No fewer than 30,000 Nigerians have returned since Tuesday from Cameroon to the town of Rann targeted repeatedly by Boko Haram terrorists this year.

The U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to the agency, the Nigerians decided to return home, near Lake Chad after being visited by Nigerian officials who encouraged them to go.

The Nigerian officials gave assurances that security would be restored in the area, UNHCR said.

Cameroonian authorities also assured UNHCR officials that refugees would not be forced to return.

Boko Haram attacked the town last month following the withdrawal of the Multinational Joint Task Force, made up of Nigerian, Chadian, Nigerien and Cameroonian troops