Key Points

• Military operations allow over one million displaced families to return to their homes in Borno.

• Towns once abandoned now see farming, trading, and daily life return.

• Army says road repairs and security work are helping people stay safe.

More than one million families forced out of their homes by years of Boko Haram violence have now returned to their communities in Borno State.

The Nigerian military said the return followed steady security work by troops under Operation Hadin Kai.

The Theatre Commander of the operation, Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar, shared the update on Wednesday in Maiduguri during a media tour organised by the Defence Headquarters.

He said many towns that were once empty because of attacks are now alive again. People are farming, trading, and rebuilding their lives.

Communities See Life Again

According to him, places like Malam Fatori, Kekeno, Mala Jamel, and Yelwa have all seen people return. Malam Fatori alone has recorded the return of over one million households through different phases of resettlement.

Kukawa, which was once completely deserted, is also busy again. Shops are open, and daily life has returned. Kekeno has also been fully resettled.

General Abubakar explained that the goal of the military is not just to fight insurgents but to make communities safe enough for people to come back and live normally.

He said the effort is being done with strong support from the Borno State Government. About 80 percent of targeted areas, he added, are now safe enough for civilians to return.

Ongoing Work In Other Areas

Work is still ongoing in places like Meirari, about 30 kilometres from Monguno. He said once security is stable, people can go back to farming, trading, and other daily activities.

Beyond resettlement, the military has also rebuilt key infrastructure. This includes a Forward Operating Base and repairs to the Duji Bridge, which Boko Haram destroyed more than 10 years ago.

Duji is a border town linking Nigeria to Niger Republic. It was abandoned for years. With troops back in the area, plans are underway to restore immigration and customs services.

Road Bombs Still A Major Threat

However, the commander admitted that road bombs remain a serious threat. Insurgents now rely on Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, especially on bad roads.

He said poor roads between places like Gubio and Damasak make it easier for attackers to plant explosives. Several civilians and soldiers have been affected.

The military is now fixing the main supply road to reduce the risk. According to Abubakar, better roads mean fewer chances for IED attacks.

He expressed hope that ongoing security work will allow even more families to return home safely and help restore lasting peace in the North-East.

Years Of Displacement And Gradual Recovery

For years, Boko Haram violence forced millions of people in Borno to flee. Farms were abandoned, towns were emptied, and livelihoods were destroyed.

The military says sustained operations are now helping reverse that damage, one community at a time.