The exodus of Nigerians fleeing violence in the country's northeastern regions continues amid an influx of 16,000 refugees into neighboring Cameroon, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported. UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that authorities in Cameroon observed a steady flow of refugees streaming in through the "extremely volatile" border regions south of Lake Chad, rendering them vulnerable to attacks from the Nigerian insurgent group Boko haram. Clashes between Boko Haram and Nigerian government forces had intensified in recent weeks as fighting has spilled across borders. During the past few weeks, Boko Haram has perpetrated deadly attacks against civilians in Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. The surge in fighting across the region has hampered efforts to provide humanitarian assistance. Edwards said UNHCR was working with the government of Cameroon to relocate refugees as quickly as possible from conflict zones. According to UNHCR figures, the latest movements are expected to increase the total of Nigerian refugees in Cameroon to almost 66,000. More than 100,000 refugees are in Niger despite a steadily deteriorating humanitarian situation. About 18,000 have fled to western Chad, including more than 15,000 since early January after Boko Haram launched an offensive in Nigeria's Borno state.
