By Nkechi Eze
For years, the soundscape of this part of Borno State was defined by tension, hurried footsteps, distant gunfire, and the uneasy silence of abandoned communities. Today, a different rhythm has taken hold. Dust rises gently beneath civilian sandals rather than armoured tracks. Traders move without escort, commuters pass unchallenged, and villagers linger long enough to exchange greetings and stories. In a region once paralysed by fear, the return of everyday ordinariness has become the clearest signal that something fundamental has changed.
This evolving reality was laid bare during the Second Bi-Annual Defence Media Tour, held between January 20 and 22, 2026, when Defence Media Correspondents were taken to key forward operating bases across parts of Borno State. Addressing journalists at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tungushe, the Commander, Captain Kabiru Musa, delivered a message that stood in stark contrast to years of conflict-driven narratives.
“Life is returning, and that is the most important thing,” he said, motioning toward the surrounding communities. “Our responsibility here is not just to hold ground, but to ensure that the people who live here can go about their daily activities without fear.”
Captain Musa explained that the approach adopted by troops under his command deliberately avoids actions that could disrupt civilian life or recreate the atmosphere of siege that once defined the area. According to him, security at Tungushe is built on presence, intelligence and community confidence rather than constant shows of force.
“We don’t go for bounties, unnecessary patrols or excessive checkpoints,” he said. “Our presence alone has changed the situation. The locals themselves will tell you that they now move freely within the general area.”
That freedom of movement, he noted, is not cosmetic. It reflects a deeper shift in the security environment for communities that bore the brunt of Boko Haram’s early insurgency years.
“This place carries a long and painful history,” Captain Musa acknowledged. “From the early 2010s, Boko Haram activities defined life here. But today, we are here, and by the grace of God, things are moving normally again.”
What was once a landscape of displacement and deserted homes has gradually transformed. Within the Area of Responsibility of FOB Tungushe, previously abandoned communities have been secured, resettled and stabilised. Residents have returned, rebuilt homes and resumed farming, trading and other livelihoods under sustained military protection.
Captain Musa attributed this progress to disciplined command structures and consistent institutional support. He noted that backing from the Chief of Army Staff and senior commanders has empowered troops to operate effectively while maintaining professionalism and restraint.
“With the kind of support we receive from the top, we are able to do our jobs without distraction,” he said. “The emphasis is on protecting civilians and creating a secure environment where normal life can take root again.”
Speaking on the events during the time of the invasion, Mallam Baba Adamu an indigene of Tugushe community said, “Oh, yes, when they came, they attacked schools, and even when you go to the farm, they would not leave you alone. That is what was happening then.”
Reflecting on the current situation, he noted, “There has been some improvement since then.”
Speaking on the destruction of property, he added, “Yes, many houses were destroyed before the military arrived.”
On the community’s recovery, he explained, “We have been able to put up temporary houses, and some of us have replaced the destroyed ones, though a few people are still displaced.”
Describing the general state of affairs, he observed, “Overall, the situation is gradually improving.”
Speaking on food security and farming, he remarked, “We are still not going out to farm because of lingering challenges. Even the markets are not fully operational. Some people still venture out despite the risks, but it is very far from what it used to be, though there are still some inaccessible areas.”
Addressing the issue of livestock theft, he said, “Before the military arrived, our animals were being stolen.”
He further specified, “They used to steal cows, goats, and sheeps, basically the animals that are common in this area.”
Reflecting on the impact of the military presence, he stated, “The military has been doing a good job. Since their arrival, settlements have been established, and the situation has improved compared to before.”
Speaking on the role of government support, he appealed, “We need the government to assist us because many people cannot farm as they did before. Support is necessary to restore livelihoods.”
On healthcare and schooling, he added, “Even in education, the situation is not like it was before. That is why we seek help from the government and from non-governmental organizations.”
Regarding the engagement of youths, he noted, “The young people do not have much to do. They do not go farming, and for those of working age, there is no regular work, only occasional marketing and farming, but it is not as it used to be.”
Mallam Baba Adamu commended the Chief of Defence Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their efforts and further urged the government to provide clean water and a health facility to help improve the community’s standard of living.
The media tour also took journalists to FOB Molai, where soldiers are tasked with securing the Maiduguri–Damboa axis, a vital economic and transit corridor linking Borno State to Adamawa and other parts of the country. The road, once notorious for ambushes and attacks, is now kept open through daily patrols and picketing operations.
“This road is about livelihoods,” Captain Musa explained. “People depend on it to move goods, access markets and travel. That is why we secure it every single day.”
He noted that the effectiveness of operations along the route is measured not by flashy announcements, but by the striking absence of recent incidents, no attacks, no ambushes, and uninterrupted civilian movement.
“For a place that used to experience frequent incidents, the silence tells its own story,” he said.
Speaking to Ali Yunus, a 43-year-old farmer and indigene of Molai, he said, “Since the military came, there hasn’t been any attack here. This place is now safe. We are able to go to our farms and engage in activities that keep us busy. The youths farm and then go to the market to sell their produce. To prevent them from joining Boko Haram, the elders of our community engage with them regularly, sensitizing them on the dangers of joining the insurgents.
The elders are doing their best, and we really appreciate their efforts. We are also grateful to the Borno State Government for providing us with accommodation. As a community, we don’t face any major challenges at the moment; all we want is for the insurgency to come to an end. We thank the Chief of Defence Staff and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria for the work they are doing, and we pray that God continues to sustain them.”
Beyond military briefings, the tour offered journalists rare, direct interaction with community leaders, Islamic scholars, men and women who once fled violence and uncertainty, but have now returned to reclaim their lives. Many spoke quietly of loss, resilience and gratitude, offering prayers for continued peace and protection.
As the engagements at FOB Molai and FOB Tungushe came to an end, the tone of the visit gradually shifted from strictly operational briefings to a more personal, human dimension. The sharp focus on strategy, troop movements, and security assessments gave way to gestures of connection and gratitude. Handshakes replaced the scribbling of notepads, and conversations lingered over shared experiences and the resilience of local communities.
Above the bases, the Nigerian flag fluttered proudly, not as a mark of military conquest, but as a poignant emblem of endurance, recovery, and the quiet triumph of ordinary life returning to areas long scarred by conflict. In that moment, the presence of the flag symbolized hope restored, communities reclaimed, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding the fragile peace that had been painstakingly restored. It was a reminder that beyond the tactics, patrols, and operations, the ultimate mission was the protection and revival of human life, dignity, and the promise of a future free from fear.
“We appreciate what you are doing here,” one of the journalists remarked. “Please keep the Nigerian flag flying.”
In a conflict often measured by casualty figures and territorial gains, Captain Musa and his troops are telling a different story, one defined by reopened roads, restored communities and a military footprint light enough to allow civilian life to breathe again.
