Lydia Simon, one of the schoolgirls abducted from Chibok in 2014, has been saved by the Nigerian Army and returned to her family, along with her three children. The handover to the Borno State government took place in a ceremony at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Major General Waidi Shuaibu confirmed that the 27-year-old, who is six months pregnant, was rescued on April 17 by troops in Gwoza Local Government Area. The event was in alignment with strategic national efforts toward rescuing the abducted Chibok girls.
Starting with Esther Marcus and continuing with Lydia Simon, military operations have facilitated the rescue of some of the captive girls, reflecting ongoing efforts to secure their freedom.
General Shuaibu extended gratitude to the military leadership for their support in the rescue endeavors.
He said, “One of such national efforts is the conduct of military operations deep within the terrorists’ enclaves which have yielded positive results to facilitate the rescue of some of the Chibok girls.
“Starting from Esther Marcus, who appears on serial 103 on the abducted Chibok school girls’ list, who was the first to be rescued by troops of 7 Division Gar, till now efforts are still ongoing.
READ MORE: Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and Daughter to Face EFCC Charges Over Alleged Fraud
“Just recently on April 17, one more Chibok girl was rescued with her three children from the Mandara mountain by troops of the theatre.
“The rescue will be in line with the strategic direction and guidance from the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff.
“We thank the Chief of Army staff for all the resources he has provided in the theatre to achieve its mandate.”
The abduction of 276 girls by Boko Haram a decade ago led to global outcry and solidified the #BringBackOurGirls movement. Even after years and some rescues, over 90 girls are believed to still be in captivity.
