The Nigerian Army has made another great achievement by rescuing two Chibok schoolgirls from the clutches of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the Sambisa forest. Along with the Chibok girls, the army has also rescued two of three humanitarian workers with Family Health International (FHI360), who were abducted on April 26 in Gamborun Ngala, Borno State.
The Theatre Commander, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali, presented the two Chibok girls and aid workers to journalists at the Command and Control Centre of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri, Borno State. He stated that the rescue operation was in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to rid the North-East of terrorism and rescue all kidnapped/abducted victims of terrorism.
The Army’s kinetic and non-kinetic strategies have been instrumental in achieving the National Security Mandate of the Federal Government, which has yielded positive results. So far, troops have rescued about 14 Chibok schoolgirls, including Aisha Grema (serial number 11), Hannatu Musa (number 7), and Sera Luka (number 38) on the list. Others are Ruth Bitrus (serial 41), Mary Dauda (serial 46), Hauwa Joseph (serial 18), Falmata Lawan (serial number 3), Asabe Ali (serial number 12), Jankai Yamal (serial number 20), Yana Pogu (serial number 19), Rejoice Sanki (serial number 70), and Hassana Adamu (serial number 35).
The Army has handed over the rescued girls and workers to the Borno State Government after medical evaluation and treatment at 7 Div Medical Services and Hospital, according to international best practices. On April 21, Esther Marcus and her one-year-old baby, Juwairiya, were rescued by troops of 114 Task Force Battalion Bitta at Lagara during operations. She was on serial number 103 of the abducted Chibok Girls List. Similarly, Hauwa Maltha and her three-year-old baby were rescued by troops of 114 Task Force Battalion Bitta at Lagara during operations. She was on serial number 02 of the abducted Chibok Girls List.
Maj. Gen. Ali stated that OPHK remains resolute and determined to neutralize all vestiges of terrorist elements and criminals marauding in the North-East and return total and long-lasting peace to the region. The Army appreciates the strategic guidance and provision of requisite logistics and operational platforms by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Chief of Defence Staff, General LEO Irabor, and Service Chiefs, which has spurred the continuous successes recorded in OPHK.
The Nigerian Army’s effort in rescuing abducted victims of terrorism, including Chibok girls and aid workers, is a remarkable achievement that should be commended. The Army’s kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, coupled with the government’s support, have yielded positive results, and the Army remains committed to ending terrorism in the region