By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued two additional girls from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, nine years after their abduction by Boko Haram in 2014.
The Theatre Commander, North-East Joint Operation, Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing newsmen at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri
Maj. General Ibrahim S. Ali said In line with the directives of the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to rid the North East of terrorism and rescue all kidnapped/abducted victims of terrorism, series of operations by troops of OPHK have been embarked on to achieve the National Security Mandate of the Federal Government.
Accordingly, OPHK has employed both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in the actualization of the aforementioned mandate, which has yielded positive results. These results are evident as troops have rescued about 14 Chibok girls recently.
Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali added that the girls rescued so far include; Aisha Grema serial number 11 on the abducted Chibok girls list, Hannatu Musa number 7 on the list, 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 on serial number 35.
Speaking further, he said in line with international best practices, they have all been handed over to the Borno State Government after undergoing medical evaluation and treatment at 7 Div Medical Services and Hospital.
“Consolidating on the numerous successes recorded so far, troops of OPHK have yet again rescued 2 other Chibok School girls on 21 Apr 23. Below are highlights of the recently rescued Chibok Girls.
ESTHER MARCUS
“On 21 Apr 23, Esther Marcus and her one year old baby, Juwairiya were rescued by troops of 114 TF Bn Bitta at Lagara during operations.
“She is on serial number 103 of the abducted Chibok Girls List. Esther is 26 years old, Kibaku by tribe from Jila in Chibok LGA of Borno State. While in captivity, she was forcefully married to one Garba AKA (Garus), a BHT fighter who was killed during troops offensive operations on terrorists’ enclaves.
“She was later married off to another BHT, Abba in Ukuba terrorist enclaves in Sambisa forest until her rescue by troops of OPHK. Since her rescue, she has undergone thorough medical examination along with her baby.
“Equally, they have been adequately resuscitated and will be handed over to the Borno State Government for further administration.
HAUWA MALTHA
“On 21 Apr 23, Hauwa Maltha and her 3 years old baby were rescued by troops of 114 TF Bn Bitta at Lagara during operations. She is on serial number 02 of the abducted Chibok Girls List. Hauwa is 26 years old, Kibaku by tribe from Jila in Chibok LGA of Borno State.
“While in captivity Hauwa got married at Gulukos to one Salman, a camera man to Shekau. Salman later died in Lake Chad. Thereafter, Hauwa Maltha got married to one Mallam Muhammad in Gobara and had 2 children for him who later died due to sickness.
” Mallam Muhammad, her second husband was also killed in Ukuba terrorist enclaves in Sambisa forest during clashes between JAS/ISWAP. Hauwa who was about 8 months and 2 weeks pregnant during the time of her rescue delivered a bouncing baby boy on 28 Apr 23 while undergoing thorough medical examination along with her baby Fatima at 7 Div Medical Hospital and Services.
“Equally, Hauwa and her children, have been adequately resuscitated and will be handed over to the Borno State Government for further administration,” General Ali said
He therefore assured the general public and the good people of the North East in particular, that OPHK remain resolute and determined in neutralizing all vestiges of terrorist element as well as criminals marauding the North East and return total and long lasting peace to the region.
The Theater Commander also expressed immense appreciation to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Chief of Defence Staff, General LEO Irabor and Service Chiefs for their strategic guidance and provision of requisite logistics and operational platforms which has spurred the continuous successes recorded in OPHK.
He reaffirmed the commitment and bravery of the troops to continue discharge their constitutional duties professionally and justify the confidence reposed in us while “We will not rest until absolute peace and normalcy is returned in the North East. Thank you and God bless you.”
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