Alice Loksha, a 42-year-old nurse who was abducted in 2018 by Boko Haram extremists in Borno State, has regained freedom.
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 the nurseo was captured while working at a UNICEF office in Kala Balge.
The commander, who was represented by his deputy, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Chigbu, also announced the release of another abducted woman, Fayina Ali, who was kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists in 2020 while travelling from Kaduna to collect her late brother’s death benefits.
He claims that both abductees were compelled to marry the insurgents while in captivity.
“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 the 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 affairs and social development, received the abductees on behalf of the Borno State Government.
She praised the Nigerian Army for restoring peace in the Northeast region, particularly in Borno State. She told the military that both women would receive extensive care.
“The woman will undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being handed over to their families for integration,” Gambo said.
