In 2010, the brutal insurgency of Boko Haram forced Abdulhameed Salisu, a father of seven, to flee his home in Damasak, Borno state, Nigeria. After years of displacement, Salisu returned with his family in early 2022, joining thousands of others being resettled under a government program aimed at bringing normalcy to the war-torn region. This resettlement effort, however, is met with skepticism and anxiety from those who are being returned.
Across Borno state, displacement camps have been shut down, with authorities asserting that the region is now safe. But many displaced individuals, like Salisu, disagree, expressing deep concerns about the lack of security and the ongoing threat posed by Boko Haram. The conflict, which has spanned over a decade, has claimed the lives of thousands and displaced millions, leaving its mark on the entire northeastern region of Nigeria.
The 2014 kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno state, shocked the world and underscored the brutal reality of Boko Haram’s actions. Despite the government’s claims of safety, Borno state continues to experience frequent militant attacks, with at least 1,600 civilian deaths in 2023 alone.
While the government promises essential support for returnees, Salisu finds himself struggling in a resettlement camp in Damasak, depending on aid organizations for food and desperately seeking employment. The lack of opportunity and the looming threat of Boko Haram cast a shadow over his hopes for a better future.
The forced resettlement program has also raised alarm among humanitarian organizations. The International Crisis Group, in a recent report, warned that the rushed closure of camps and forced resettlement could endanger the displaced, potentially forcing them to make deals with Boko Haram for survival. This could lead to further consolidation of the militant group’s control over these areas.
In the face of ongoing threats, Salisu, along with many others, is forced to grapple with a difficult choice: return to a place that remains deeply unsafe or remain displaced, facing uncertainty and hardship. The future of these displaced individuals hinges on a complex interplay of security, government support, and the relentless grip of Boko Haram, making their plight a powerful reminder of the human cost of this protracted conflict.
Maryam Abdullahi, another displaced individual, also struggles to provide for her family of eight in Damasak. Despite the government’s promises, the reality on the ground is one of persistent hardship and a desperate need for sustainable solutions. While the government continues to push for resettlement, many individuals are caught in a cycle of instability and uncertainty, leaving their future hanging in the balance.
