Borno Officials Praise Nigerian Army During Visit to Malam Fatori

By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde, Maiduguri, Nigeria

In a town slowly recovering from years of conflict, the presence of uniformed soldiers has become a symbol of hope and resilience. Professor Usman A. Tar, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, and Mohammed Aji (M.GAS), Secretary of the Resettlement Committee, recently visited Malam Fatori to witness firsthand the impact of security operations on returning residents. 

During the visit, they commended the Nigerian Army for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding civilians and ensuring that families displaced by insurgency can return and rebuild their lives in safety.

The delegation’s tour included a stop at a dry fish processing site, where residents who had fled years ago are gradually resuming their livelihoods. From there, they visited a local primary school, where children gathered to greet the officials. 

Students expressed their gratitude to the soldiers, highlighting the importance of a secure environment for education and normal daily life. The scenes of laughter and learning, officials noted, are a stark contrast to the fear that once gripped the community.

The officials also visited the site of the former UBA Bank borehole, a piece of local infrastructure that once served as a lifeline for residents. Its inspection underscored the government’s commitment to restoring essential services and infrastructure for returning citizens. Both Professor Tar and Secretary Aji emphasized that rehabilitation efforts in liberated areas like Malam Fatori are central to the state’s broader resettlement and recovery plan.

Malam Fatori, situated near the border with Niger Republic, has been one of the communities most heavily impacted by insurgency. 

The visit of state officials signals more than just oversight-it reflects a determined effort to combine security, humanitarian assistance, and infrastructure rebuilding to create conditions where displaced families can safely return and the local economy can revive. 

For many residents, the return of stability, accompanied by government and military support, marks a cautious but hopeful step toward reclaiming normalcy.