Col. Manga Spotted Distributing Sallah Palliatives to Vulnerable Residents in Maiduguri

By: Zagazola Makama 

Residents of Maiduguri were recently surprised after spotting a senior Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Ishaya Aliyu Manga, quietly distributing Sallah palliatives and cash support to vulnerable people along Baga Road and the Customs area of the Borno State capital.

The senior officer was seen handing out bags of semovita and cash gifts to less privileged residents, including elderly persons, displaced families, street labourers and other struggling residents ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Eyewitnesses said the officer carried out the humanitarian gesture without fanfare or publicity, moving from one group of people to another while exchanging greetings and prayers with beneficiaries.

Many residents later identified the officer as Col. Manga, a respected frontline commander widely known for his role in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the North East.

For years, Manga has remained one of the notable military officers involved in several major counterterrorism operations across Borno State and other parts of the North East. He has participated in numerous operations in places such as Konduga, Damboa, Sambisa, Marte, Magumeri and other insurgency-hit communities.

The officer is particularly known among troops for his bravery and leadership in difficult operations against terrorists. He has survived injuries in combat and repeatedly returned to the battlefield to continue operations alongside his troops.

Despite his reputation as a fearless combat officer, residents say his latest humanitarian gesture reflects another side of the military officer — one committed to supporting vulnerable members of society.

Some residents who witnessed the distribution described the gesture as timely, especially considering the economic challenges facing many families ahead of the Sallah celebrations.

“He was doing it quietly without attracting attention,” one resident said. “Many people did not even know it was Col. Manga until later.”

Apart from his combat operations, Manga has also been associated with several non-kinetic activities in conflict-affected communities, including support for displaced persons, medical assistance, protection for farmers and humanitarian interventions in parts of Borno State.

Residents who benefited from the gesture offered prayers for the officer, asking God to continue protecting and strengthening him as he continues his service to the nation.

Many described the act as a reminder that beyond defending the country, members of the Armed Forces also play important humanitarian roles within society.