The Nigerian military has transferred a rescued Chibok girl along with 330 other individuals to the Borno State government. This handover signifies progress in the ongoing efforts to assist victims of insurgency and restore stability in the region.
Major General Waidi Shaibu, the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force (JTF) NE Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has delivered Ihyi Abdu – a Chibok girl who was rescued – to the Borno State Government.
In a statement, Captain Reuben Kovangia – who serves as the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations Headquarters Theatre Command – emphasized that successful military operations throughout the region are crucial for fulfilling OPHK’s goal of reinstating stability in Northeast areas. Doing so will allow socio-economic activities to prosper once again.
General Waidi stressed the importance of military operations in terrorists’ enclaves to rescue the Chibok girls still held captive. The Operational Planning and Headquarters Coordination (OPHK) will persist in their efforts, following strategic guidance from Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
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During the offensive operations carried out within Sambisa forest in June 2024, troops of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade Bama rescued Ihyi and her two children. In his report on the rescue operation, Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna – Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) for 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 OPHK – provided detailed information.
Ihyi, 27 years old and a member of the Kibaku tribe, was identified by General Haruna as originating from Kubur-Mbula village in Chibok LGA. During her time in captivity, she entered into wedlock with Abu Darda – a native of Plateau State – while residing in Gwoza town back in 2014 before his subsequent move to Senegal.
Ihyi and her children have undergone thorough medical exams since their rescue, as reported by the GOC.
Similarly, the OPHK forces transferred 330 women and children they saved to the Borno State Government’s custody.
In the midst of handover proceedings, Navy Captain Mohammed Abdullahi, Chief J9 in charge of Civil Military Affairs and representative for the Theatre Commander, declared that this successful rescue mission was a direct result of their wet season operations. He further proclaimed it as conclusive evidence to support the efficacy behind their logistics strategy during military operations within the theatre.
The Borno State Government was appreciated for its crucial involvement in the non-violent aspects of the operations.
The Director of Social Welfare, Mrs Aishatu Shettima, representing the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Borno State, expressed gratitude to the military for their watchfulness and dedication towards saving not just the Chibok girl but also 330 other women and children while receiving them on behalf of the state government.
She observed that they would receive various services, including psychosocial support, family tracing, skill acquisition training and education for children at the camp. Afterward, they would be reunited with their families.
