Nurse escapes 6-year Boko Haram captivity as another woman returns with child after forced marriage

A 42-year-old nurse, Alice Loksha, who was abducted in 2018 by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, has regained her freedom after six years in captivity.

Speaking to journalists in Maiduguri on Friday, Major General Wahdi Shuaibu, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, North-East, shared details of her ordeal. Represented by his deputy, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Chigbu, Shuaibu explained that Loksha was abducted while working at a UNICEF office in Kala Balge.

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The military also announced the escape of another woman, Fayina Ali, who had been abducted in 2020 while traveling from Kaduna to process her late brother’s death benefits.

Both women were reportedly forced into marriage with Boko Haram insurgents during their time 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,” Shuaibu said.

“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,” he added.

He further noted, “Both women have undergone traumatic experiences and have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.”

Receiving the survivors on behalf of the Borno State Government, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, praised the Nigerian Army for its efforts to restore peace in the Northeast and Borno State.

Gambo assured that the women would be given comprehensive care. “The women will undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being handed over to their families for integration,” she said.

PlatinumPost reports that Boko Haram’s insurgency has wreaked havoc in northeastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries, causing massive displacement, humanitarian crises, and countless fatalities.

The group has relied heavily on abductions as a tactic, with kidnappings for ransom becoming a significant source of funding for their operations.