Nigerian refugees return home to devastated community amidst security concerns

Returnees Rebuild Lives in Malam Fatori After Decade of Displacement

Malam Fatori, Nigeria — Isa Aji Mohammed has returned to his home village in Borno State after spending over 10 years in displacement camps. The 65-year-old farmer lost four children in a Boko Haram attack on their home in 2013. Mohammed’s family was among thousands who were displaced and relocated to neighboring Niger before returning to Malam Fatori as part of a resettlement program initiated by the government.

Mohammed, who had previously produced hundreds of bags of rice, maize, and beans annually, has resumed farming activities in the area. The village, which sits on the edge of Nigeria’s northeastern frontier, was once a thriving community with intact homes and active markets. However, the conflict has left its mark, with many homes lying in ruin and farms overgrown with weeds.

The Borno State administration reports that 5,000 households have returned to Malam Fatori, bringing the town’s population to over 20,000 people. The government has established a security presence in the area, including armed patrols, checkpoints, and observation posts, to deter attacks and reassure residents.

Families who have returned say they are subject to frequent security checks and strict movement controls, which disrupt daily routines and limit access to farms and markets. Despite these challenges, many residents are determined to rebuild their lives and restore their community to its former state. The return of displaced residents marks a significant step forward for the government’s resettlement program.

The village is slowly showing signs of life again, with small plots of millet and sorghum being cleared by hand and irrigation channels being reopened. However, many fields remain empty, overtaken by thorny bushes and dry grass after years without cultivation. The returnees are navigating both the present reality and memories of what once was, as they work to restore their town that violence nearly erased.

Source: Al Jazeera