In a significant stride against terrorism in North East Nigeria, the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force (JTF) NE Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Waidi Shaibu, handed over a rescued Chibok girl, Ihyi Abdu, and 330 women and children to the Borno State Government on July 22, 2024.
According to Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command Captain Reuben Kovangiya, during a press briefing at Headquarters Theatre Command Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, General Shaibu highlighted the importance of military operations in achieving OPHK’s mandate to restore normalcy in the region for socio-economic growth. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to rescue the remaining Chibok girls, guided by the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna, detailed the rescue of Ihyi and her two children by the 21 Special Armoured Brigade Bama during operations in Sambisa Forest in June 2024. Ihyi, 27, hailing from Kubur-Mbula village in Chibok LGA, was forcibly married in captivity to Abu Darda in 2014. Since their rescue, Ihyi and her children have undergone thorough medical examinations.
Additionally, 330 women and children rescued by OPHK troops were handed over to the Borno State Government. Representing the Theatre Commander, Chief J9 Navy Captain Mohammed Abdullahi attributed the successful rescue to effective logistics strategies. He acknowledged the Borno State Government’s crucial role in the non-kinetic aspects of the operations.
Mrs. Aishatu Shettima, Director of Social Welfare, represented the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development of Borno State. She expressed gratitude to the military for their efforts and assured that the rescued individuals would receive comprehensive support, including psycho-social services, skill acquisition training, and education for children, before being reunited with their families. The event concluded with a symbolic handover and a group photograph.
