On Monday, Major General Waidi Shaibu, Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force Northeast Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), handed over rescued Chibok girl Ihyi Abdu to the Borno State Government.
During a press briefing at the Headquarters Theatre Command Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, General Shaibu emphasized the crucial role of military operations in restoring stability and fostering socio-economic development in the region. He reiterated OPHK’s commitment to rescuing the remaining Chibok girls still held captive, under the strategic guidance of Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna, Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, detailed the rescue operation. Ihyi Abdu, 27, along with her two children, were rescued by troops from the 21 Special Armoured Brigade Bama during an offensive operation in the Sambisa Forest in June 2024. Ihyi, a member of the Kibaku tribe from Kubur-Mbula village in Chibok LGA, was forcibly married to Abu Darda in 2014. Following their rescue, Ihyi and her children underwent comprehensive medical examinations.
In addition to Ihyi and her children, 330 women and children rescued by OPHK troops were also handed over to the Borno State Government. Representing the Theatre Commander at the handover ceremony, Navy Captain Mohammed Abdullahi, Chief J9 (in charge of Civil Military Affairs), praised the Borno State Government for its support in the non-kinetic aspects of the military’s efforts.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development of Borno State, represented by Director of Social Welfare Mrs. Aishatu Shettima, received the rescued individuals. She expressed gratitude to the military for its vigilance and dedication in rescuing the Chibok girl and the other women and children. Mrs. Shettima assured that the rescued individuals would receive comprehensive psycho-social support, family tracing services, skill acquisition training, and educational opportunities for children before reuniting them with their families.
The event concluded with a symbolic handover ceremony and a group photograph, marking a significant step towards recovery and reintegration for the rescued individuals.
