Monguno: A Fortress of Hope Amidst Jihadist Threat
In the embattled northeast of Nigeria, the garrison town of Monguno has become a vital sanctuary for thousands fleeing relentless jihadist attacks. Seen from above, Monguno stands as a formidable stronghold, encircled by deep trenches and heavily fortified defenses designed to repel incursions.
The town, which briefly succumbed to jihadist control in 2015, has since been transformed into a cornerstone of Nigeria's military strategy. Since 2019, the Nigerian army has implemented a "supercamp" strategy, consolidating forces in garrison towns like Monguno to better protect troops. However, this approach has drawn criticism for potentially leaving surrounding rural areas vulnerable. Roads leading into Monguno are now meticulously secured with barriers and patrols, featuring twelve checkpoints controlling all access points. Major Friday Feekwe, a commanding officer, reported successfully repelling two major attacks with heavy weaponry in March alone, prompting further fortification of checkpoints with watchtowers and machine guns.
A Safe Haven for the Displaced
Monguno's relative security is largely thanks to the presence of the Multinational Joint Task Force, a collaborative military effort involving Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin. This robust military presence provides a crucial sense of safety, encouraging internally displaced persons (IDPs) to seek refuge within its confines. Many residents, like Umar Bullam, a 30-year-old farmer, have abandoned their ancestral lands due to jihadist looting and now find peace and the ability to work safely within Monguno. Similarly, Hauwa Garba, a 35-year-old mother of seven, arrived just two months ago from southern Niger after jihadists killed adults and kidnapped children in her village.
The continuous influx of IDPs has cemented Monguno's role as a critical registration center. While the town's fortified nature offers protection, the widespread displacement highlights the persistent challenges of the 16-year conflict against various jihadist factions, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These groups continue to pose significant threats, particularly in rural areas and along key transit routes where landmine incidents have alarmingly escalated.
