For the first time in over a decade, the people of Kekeno town in Kukawa Local Government Area of Northern Borno are returning to their ancestral homes, bringing to a close 12 painful years of displacement caused by relentless Boko Haram attacks.
In 2013, Boko Haram insurgents stormed Kekeno, unleashing terror that forced the entire population to flee. Families were scattered across internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Monguno and neighbouring towns, leaving behind deserted homes, abandoned farmlands, and a once-thriving market in ruins.
Today, however, the story is changing. Thanks to sustained military operations by Operation HADIN KAI, the Nigerian Army has reclaimed and secured the area. The establishment of Camp Tiger, a fortified military base in Kekeno, has provided the security backbone needed for the safe return of displaced residents.
A Bittersweet Homecoming
The return of the people was marked by tears of both relief and remembrance. Many residents had lost loved ones during the attack or the long years in IDP camps. Speaking with our correspondent, several returnees expressed overwhelming gratitude for the chance to rebuild their lives.
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“We never thought this day would come. For years, we survived on handouts in the camps, dreaming of home. Now we are back, but we need help to start afresh,” said Mallam Abubakar Musa, a farmer who fled with his family in 2013.
Residents are appealing to the Borno State Government and humanitarian agencies for immediate support, including food, clean water, shelter materials, and access to healthcare facilities.
Market Comes Alive Again
In a sign of resilience, Mile 90 Market, once a major hub for watermelon farmers and traders, has sprung back to life. Farmers are gradually returning to their farmlands, and commercial activities are beginning to thrive, with produce already being transported to other parts of Nigeria.
This revival of trade is expected to boost the local economy and encourage other displaced communities to return once security is guaranteed.
A Symbol of Hope for Borno
Kekeno’s resettlement represents a beacon of hope for thousands of displaced persons across Borno State. The Nigerian Army’s intensified counterterrorism operations have continued to dismantle terrorist hideouts, paving the way for the gradual return of more communities to normal life.
Military authorities say the operation will not stop until every displaced person is safely resettled.
“Our commitment is to ensure that every community is secured and every displaced citizen returns home safely. Kekeno is just the beginning,” said a senior military officer at Monguno Garrison.
The Road Ahead
While Kekeno’s return is a victory, challenges remain. Rebuilding homes, schools, health facilities, and essential infrastructure will take time and resources. Experts warn that without sustained government support and community resilience, the gains could be reversed.
For now, the people of Kekeno are celebrating a long-awaited homecoming, a testament to their endurance and the Nigerian Army’s determination to restore peace to Borno.
As night falls on Kekeno, the glow of lanterns and the hum of a reawakened community replace the silence of abandonment. It is a new dawn for a people who have refused to be defeated by terror.