Refugees return to ruined Nigerian town despite threats from armed groups

Al JazeeraCenterEN 9 min read 100% complete by By Adamu Aliyu NguldeJanuary 7, 2026 at 01:00 PM

AI Summary

long article 9 min

After a decade of displacement due to Boko Haram attacks, thousands of refugees are returning to the ruined town of Malam Fatori in Borno State, Nigeria, as part of a government resettlement program. The town, located near the Niger border, was once a thriving agricultural hub, but now bears the scars of conflict. Residents like Isa Aji Mohammed, who lost four children in an attack, are returning despite ongoing threats from armed groups, driven by a desire to rebuild their lives and reclaim their homes. While much of the town lies in ruins, returnees express hope for the future. The resettlement program aims to restore normalcy to the region after years of violence and displacement.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Maryam 40% Yadoma 40% Zubairu 40% Mohammed 40% Niger ×360% Isa Aji Mohammed ×270% Boko Haram 80% Borno State ×280% Malam Fatori ×690% Nigeria ×490%

Keywords

malam fatori 100% refugees 90% return 80% nigeria 80% displacement 70% armed groups 70% resettlement programme 60% borno state 60% boko haram 60% conflict 50%