The Nigerian Army has rescued another Chibok schoolgirl, Lydia Simon, who was abducted by Boko Haram terrorists ten years ago.
Troops from the 7 Division Operation Hadin Kai conducted the operation in the Mandara Mountains, a known Boko Haram hideout.
Simon, one of the 276 girls kidnapped from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok in 2014, was found alongside her three children.
Major General Wahidi Shuibu, Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai, presented Ms. Simon to journalists today at Maimalari Cantonment during a handover ceremony to the Government of Borno.
General Shuibu acknowledged the global attention the Chibok abduction received under the #BringBackOurGirls movement and emphasized the military’s ongoing efforts to rescue the remaining girls.
‘One of such national efforts is the conduct of military operations into the enemy enclaves to ensure the girls are rescued,’ he stated.
‘The Theatre will continue to do its best to rescue those remaining ones in captivity,’ he started.
Brigadier General Abubakar Garba Lawan Haruna, General Officer Commanding 7 Div and Commander of Sector 02 Operation Hadin Kai, reported that Ms. Simon and her children have received medical attention, new clothing, and proper care since their rescue.
‘Today, by God’s grace, we are handing her to the state government for further development,’ he said.
The Borno State Government confirmed that with Ms. Simon’s rescue, 188 of the 276 abducted girls have now been freed.
This news offers a beacon of hope for the families who continue to wait for their daughters’ return.
Further details regarding Ms. Simon’s experience while in captivity will be be released soon.