A nurse who was abducted by Boko Haram in 2018 has finally regained her freedom after six years in captivity.
42-year-old Alice Loksha was taken while working at a UNICEF office in Kala Balge, Borno State.
Speaking to journalists in Maiduguri on Friday, Nov. 15, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Chigbu, representing the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (North-East), Maj. Gen. Wahdi Shuaibu, also reported the escape of another abducted woman, Fayina Ali. Fayina was kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in 2020 while traveling from Kaduna to settle her late brother’s death benefits.
According to Chigbu, both women were forced into marriages with insurgent leaders during their captivity.
“Alice was initially forced to marry Abu Umar, with whom she had a son, Mohammed. After Abu Umar’s death, she was compelled to marry ISWAP Commander Abu Simak. She escaped from the Dogon Chuku camp on October 24, 2024, and arrived at HQ TC on October 29, 2024, where she received medical attention,” he said.
He further explained that Fayina was held at the Kangaruwa enclave for nine months, then moved to Tumbunma for three years, before being returned to Kangaruwa for another year. She eventually managed to escape.
“These women endured severe trauma but have shown incredible resilience despite their hardships,” Chigbu added.
Borno State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, received the freed women on behalf of the state government. She assured that they would receive comprehensive care, including psychosocial support and rehabilitation, before being reunited with their families for reintegration.
