NURSE ESCAPES BOKO HARAM CAPTIVITY AFTER SIX LONG YEARS

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Alice Loksha, a 42-year-old nurse, was kidnapped by Boko Haram militants in Borno State in 2018 but has since been released.

Major General Wahdi Shuaibu, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, North-East, told reporters in Maiduguri, the state capital, on Friday that she was taken prisoner while working at a UNICEF office in Kala Balge.

On behalf of his deputy, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Chigbu, the commander also declared the release of Fayina Ali, another kidnapped woman who was taken by Boko Haram militants in 2020 while traveling from Kaduna to claim benefits for her late brother’s death.

He claimed that throughout their time in captivity, both abductees were coerced into marrying the rebels.

“She was forced to marry Abu Umar, with whom she had a son, Mohammed.

“After Abu Umar’s death, she was forced into another marriage to ISWAP Commander Abu Simak. She later escaped from Dogon Chuku camp on October 24, 2024, and arrived at HQ TC on October 29, 2024, where she received medical attention.

“Fayina was initially held at Kangaruwa enclave for nine months, then transferred to Tumbunma for three years, and returned to Kangaruwa for another year before escaping,” he said.

He added, “Both women have undergone traumatic experiences and have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.”

Zuwaira Gambo, the state commissioner for women’s affairs and social development, welcomed the abductees on behalf of the Borno State government and praised the Nigerian Army for bringing peace back to the Northeast, and to Borno State specifically.

She promised the troops that the two women would be well taken care of.

“The woman will undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being handed over to their families for integration,” Gambo said.

Boko Haram’s insurgency has caused widespread devastation across Nigeria, especially northeastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries. The conflict has displaced millions, triggered severe humanitarian crises, and resulted in thousands of deaths.

A significant tactic in their insurgency has been kidnappings for ransom, which is now a lucrative funding source.