CurrentReport Blog In a significant development, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj Gen Waidi Shuaibu, handed over Ihyi Abdu, the latest rescued Chibok girl, to the Borno State Government on Monday. This marks the 19th successful rescue of Chibok girls through direct military interventions.
During the handover ceremony in Maiduguri, Maj Gen Shuaibu highlighted the ongoing efforts and successes of the military operations in Sambisa Forest. “Today, we are gathered here to hand over another Chibok girl rescued during the course of military operations in Sambisa Forest. She was rescued by troops of Sector 1 of the theatre. The theatre will continue to do its best to rescue the remaining Chibok girls in captivity in line with the strategic guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff,” Shuaibu stated.
Brig Gen A.G.L. Haruna, the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division in Maiduguri, provided details of the rescue operation. Ihyi Abdu, now 27 years old, was rescued on June 23 along with her two children during an operation within Sambisa Forest. “She is now 27 years old, Kibaku by tribe, and a Muslim by faith. She is serial number 67 on the list of abducted Chibok girls published by the Federal Government in 2014,” Brig Gen Haruna said.
While in captivity, Abdu endured significant hardships. She was forcefully married to Abu Darda in Gwoza town in 2014. Darda, an indigene of Plateau State, later relocated to Senegal. Abdu subsequently married other terrorists, all of whom were eventually neutralized by military forces.
The rescue of Ihyi Abdu underscores the ongoing commitment of the Nigerian military to secure the release of all individuals abducted by terrorist groups. This achievement brings renewed hope and reinforces the dedication of Operation Hadin Kai to restore peace and security in the region.
The handover ceremony was a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of the Chibok abductions and the resilience of the Nigerian military in their mission to bring every abducted girl back home safely.
