Ordeal Ends: Nigerian Nurse Reclaims Freedom From ISWAP After Six Years

Ordeal Ends: Nigerian Nurse Reclaims Freedom From ISWAP After Six Years

In a significant development, Alice Loksha, a nurse abducted by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists six years ago, has escaped captivity,...CONTINUE READING…

marking the end of a harrowing experience.

Loksha, who was kidnapped on March 1, 2018, while working at a UNICEF facility in Rann, Kala Balge LGA, Borno State, regained her freedom on October 24, 2024. She managed to flee her captors and reported to Joint Task Force (JTF) troops five days later in Geidam, Yobe State.

Trauma and Survival
Addressing reporters in Maiduguri, Deputy Theatre Commander Kenneth Chigbu described Loksha’s ordeal. During her captivity, she endured forced marriages with two ISWAP commanders. Her first husband, Abu Umar, was killed in 2022 during a military operation. Later, she was coerced into marrying Abu Simak before managing her escape.

Chigbu said Loksha underwent medical evaluations and received humanitarian support following her escape.

Another Escapee Found
Chigbu also confirmed the escape of Fayina Ali, the sister of a late Nigerian Army officer. Fayina had been held captive since 2022, enduring years in different ISWAP strongholds before her escape.

State Government Response
Zuwaira Gambo, Borno’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, assured the public that both women would receive psychosocial support and rehabilitation before reuniting with their families.

This development highlights the ongoing efforts by security forces to rescue hostages and combat terrorism in Nigeria.