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A 42-year-old nurse, Alice Loksha, who was abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in 2018, has regained her freedom after six years. Alice was working at a UNICEF office in Kala Balge, Borno State, when she was kidnapped.
Her release was confirmed on Friday, November 15, in Maiduguri by Major General Kenneth Chigbu, representing the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, North-East.
During her time in captivity, Alice was forced into marriage with members of the insurgent group. She also had a son named Mohammed with one of her captors, Abu Umar, who later died.
After Abu Umar's death, she was forced into another marriage with ISWAP Commander Abu Simak before managing to escape in October 2024.
Another Escapee: Fayina Ali
Major General Chigbu also announced the escape of another abducted woman, Fayina Ali. Fayina was kidnapped in 2020 while traveling from Kaduna to process her late brother’s death benefits.
Fayina spent nearly four years in captivity, moving between various camps controlled by Boko Haram and ISWAP. She was initially held at Kangaruwa for nine months, transferred to Tumbunma for three years, and then returned to Kangaruwa. Fayina escaped from the Dogon Chuku camp on October 24, 2024, and reached safety five days later.
Trauma and Recovery
Both women faced immense hardship and abuse during their captivity. Speaking about their experiences, Maj. Gen. Chigbu described them as “traumatic,” adding that the women displayed “remarkable resilience.”
The Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, assured that the women would receive psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being reunited with their families.
The state government expressed its commitment to helping the women heal and reintegrate into society. “We will ensure they receive the care they need to recover from their experiences,” Gambo stated.
Alice and Fayina’s escape highlights the ongoing struggles faced by many still in captivity. Authorities continue to work towards freeing those abducted and bringing lasting peace to the region.
