The Nigerian Army on Wednesday December 15 re-opened the Damasak Commercial Market, Borno State, seven years after it was shut down following the infiltration of Boko Haram fighters into the town in 2014.

Commander 5 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General SS Tilawan, who reopened the market in front of a large gathering of people in Damasak, said the decision to reopen the market followed the success made by the Nigerian Army at improving security around the town

He said; “The 5 Brigade Nigerian Army is officially opening the Damasak Commercial Market today (Wednesday) as directed by the Theater Commander Major General CG Musa.

“The Damasak commercial market used to serve as the main trading centre for thousands from all parts of the states and neighbouring states, as well communities across in the Niger Republic.

“Since the closure in 2014 thousand’s of people have lost their major source of livelihood. This has made hundreds from this area relocate to the Niger Republic and other places in search of livelihood.

“For years, the concern of another invasion of the town led to the continued closure of the market. But that fear does not exist anymore.

“In the past few months, 5 Brigade has not only comprehensively flushed out the activities of Boko Haram and other criminal elements around Damasak but has also put in place a very constructive security network that is strong enough to ensure the total protection of the people in Damasak and give assurance for the full resumption of all economic and social activities in the town,

“Today (Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021), we are indeed witnessing a historic occasion as it marks the end of the economic black blanket that was thrown over this part of the state with the closure of this big commercial market.

“I need not reassure you of your security in Damasak, as you are all aware of the efforts of the Brigade at safeguarding your lives and properties.’’

The Damasak Commercial market is a major trading centre for traders from parts of the state and the neighbouring Niger Republic which provides a source of revenue to about 80 per cent of the residents of the area who are mainly farmers and petty traders.

Damsak was the largest producer of Onions and Pepper where traders made billions selling to Chad and Cameroon until Boko Haram insurgents infiltrated it in 2014.

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