Christmas at the Frontline: Zulum Celebrates with Troops, Spends Night in Resettled Malam Fatori

Christmas at the Frontline: Zulum Celebrates with Troops, Spends Night in Resettled Malam Fatori

Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, the Governor of Borno State, marked this year’s Christmas in a unique yet symbolic manner by uniting with Nigerian Army troops on the frontline.

On Thursday, the Governor visited soldiers of the Nigerian Army’s 68 Battalion stationed in Malam Fatori, a strategic border community in Abadam Local Government Area, to celebrate the festive season with them amid ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

The visit came at the end of a four-day security and resilience tour across northern Borno, covering five local government areas, where Zulum personally coordinated measures to strengthen security and support internally displaced individuals (IDPs) who have returned to their communities.

Demonstrating his administration’s commitment to restoring civil authority, the Governor spent the night in the newly resettled Malam Fatori town, holding engagements with community leaders and residents—mostly women and children—who are rebuilding their lives after years of displacement.

Zulum’s Christmas visit to the battalion was both symbolic and reassuring, offering encouragement to soldiers serving far from their families during the festive period. He praised the officers and men for their gallantry, resilience, and professionalism, noting that their sacrifices have been crucial to the survival and stability of Malam Fatori.

Describing the troops as the true custodians of peace, the governor said their courage had made it possible for displaced communities to return home and begin rebuilding.

“Celebrating Christmas with the troops defending our territorial integrity is not just ceremonial,” Zulum said. “It is a deliberate decision to stand with you at the point of sacrifice.”

He added that the bravery displayed by the soldiers in securing Malam Fatori and other frontline locations remains an example of his administration’s resolve to support security agencies until lasting peace is achieved.

Reaffirming his government’s unwavering backing for the armed forces, Zulum assured the battalion of sustained logistical and welfare support to complement federal efforts.

“Security remains the top priority of my administration,” he stressed. “Without peace, there can be no meaningful development or recovery.”

In the spirit of Christmas, the Governor donated five bulls to the battalion to enable the troops celebrate with dignity. In a rare personal gesture, he also joined the soldiers in line to share a meal with them at the Malam Fatori military base.

The visit sparked excitement among the troops, many of whom said the Governor’s presence and personal interaction boosted their morale. The occasion, for soldiers separated from their families, served as a powerful reminder of the recognition, appreciation, and deep value placed on their sacrifices.