In a remarkable story of hope and recovery emerging from Nigeria's northeast, a woman has successfully retrieved a cache of gold valued at N23.6 million, which she buried in the sand fifteen years ago while escaping a violent Boko Haram assault.
A Desperate Decision in the Face of Terror
The incident dates back to an attack on Mallamfatori, the headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area in Borno State. As armed insurgents advanced towards the community, the young woman was forced to make a split-second decision about her most precious possession: a small pouch containing gold coins and jewelry. This treasure was her sole inheritance from her late mother.
Gripped by panic but determined to save her legacy, she carefully wrapped the items in cloth, placed them inside a jar, and buried it hastily before joining the frantic exodus from her home. She then spent the next decade and a half displaced, unable to return to the conflict-ridden area.
Police Assistance Leads to Successful Recovery
The breakthrough came recently when the woman, whose identity has been protected, finally returned to Mallamfatori. She immediately sought the assistance of the local police to help her locate and retrieve the long-buried items. The Borno State Police Command confirmed the development in an official statement released on Monday, December 1, 2025.
The spokesperson for the Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, detailed the operation. Acting on the woman's information, officers from the Mallamfatori Division embarked on a careful recovery mission. Their diligent and coordinated efforts were crowned with success.
The team unearthed 22 cc of gold, with an estimated market value of N20 million. Alongside this, they recovered a gold bracelet with an attached chain, valued at an additional N3.6 million.
Police Integrity and Community Trust Praised
The Commissioner of Police for Borno State, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, PSC, publicly commended the Divisional Police Officer of Mallamfatori and his team for their conduct. He highlighted their exemplary professionalism and integrity during the sensitive operation to recover the valuable property belonging to a female resident.
In the statement, the Commissioner praised the officers for their honesty, dedication, and service. He noted that such actions vividly reflect the core values of the Nigeria Police Force and play a crucial role in strengthening public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
CP Naziru Abdulmajid also reaffirmed the Command's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens. He urged residents to continue supporting and cooperating with the police to enhance security and peace across Borno State.
This extraordinary recovery serves as a rare positive narrative from a region long scarred by insurgency, demonstrating both the resilience of displaced persons and the potential for rebuilding trust between communities and the police.
