Nurse, Woman Escape After 6 Years In Boko Haram Custody
Alice Loksha, a 42-year-old nurse, who was abducted in 2018 by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, has regained her freedom after six years in captivity.
Loksha, who was working for UNICEF at the time of her abduction, was captured in Kala Balge by the insurgents.
The announcement was made by the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, North-East, Major General Wahdi Shuaibu, who spoke with journalists in Maiduguri on Friday, represented by his deputy, Major General Kenneth Chigbu.
During the briefing, the commander also revealed the escape of another kidnapped woman, Fayina Ali, who was abducted by Boko Haram in 2020 while traveling from Kaduna to process her late brother’s death benefits.
Both women were subjected to forced marriages during their captivity, according to the military.
Major General Shuaibu shared details of Alice Loksha’s ordeal: “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.”
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In the case of Fayina Ali, Shuaibu explained: “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.
“Both women have undergone traumatic experiences and have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity,” Shuaibu added.
The Borno State Government, through the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, praised the Nigerian military for their efforts in securing the release of the women and restoring peace to the region.
She confirmed that both women would receive comprehensive care following their escape.
“The women will undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being handed over to their families for integration,” Gambo stated.
Boko Haram’s insurgency has wreaked havoc across northeastern Nigeria and neighboring countries.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
