Insurgency: Nurse Escapes From Boko Haram Six Years After Abduction

A nurse, Alice Loksha, abducted by Boko Haram in March 2018, has escaped from the group six years after her abduction.

The development is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the Theatre Commander of the Joint Military Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj Gen Wahdi Shuaibu, on Friday at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri. 

According to the statement, the 42 year old woman was kidnapped by the bandits while working at a UNICEF office in Rann, Borno State,

Maj Gen Shuaibu also confirmed the escape of another abducted woman, Fayina Ali, taken by the insurgent on October 19, 2020 on her way from Kaduna where she had gone to process her late brother’s death benefits.

She spent about four years with the insurgents.

Maj Gen Shuaibu further disclosed that both women were forced into marriages with leaders of the group while in captivity. 

For instance, Alice was forced to marry one Abu Umar, with whom she had a son, after which she was married off to ISWAP commander, Abu Simak, following the death of Umar.

“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.

“Alice, a 42-year-old nurse from Hawul LGA, Borno, was received on behalf of the Borno government by the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo.”

Both women are expected to under medical evaluation following their extensive trauma after which they will be released to their families. They are also expected to receive extensive care from the Borno state government