The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued Saratu Dauda, a 25-year-old woman previously abducted by Boko Haram during the highly publicized 2014 Chibok schoolgirl kidnapping. Dauda was able to escape from her captors in the Sambisa forest, Borno State. She was rescued on May 6, 2023, by ground troops.
Speaking about the successful rescue, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj-Gen Ibrahim Ali, stated that Dauda was the wife of Abu Yusuf, an improvised explosive devices expert for Boko Haram. He noted that the victim left her three children behind as she fled from the forest. General Ali also mentioned that efforts were being made to rescue her children from their Boko Haram captors.
According to General Ali, Dauda was immediately taken to the Maimalari military hospital for medical attention before being handed over to the Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo.
General Ali noted that out of 276 Chibok schoolgirls originally abducted, 76 had managed to escape, while 107 were later released by Boko Haram in 2018. Meanwhile, 186 school girls were rescued by the Army, while 93 are still in captivity.
Gambo, speaking to reporters, informed them that the Borno State government will sponsor Dauda’s education, right from secondary up to university level. She will also be taken to a rehabilitation centre that provides training for people and helps them become self-reliant and productive citizens.
This recent incident has reignited concerns about the security of vulnerable communities in Nigeria, particularly in the country’s northeast region where Boko Haram has been active for many years. The continued efforts made by the Nigerian Army to rescue victims of these kidnappings have been laudable. However, more needs to be done to ensure the security of all citizens, especially young schoolgirls who remain at risk of becoming victims of kidnap and human trafficking.
In conclusion, the successful rescue of Dauda is a clear indication that the Nigerian Army is committed to bringing an end to the menace of Boko Haram in Nigeria. The government and security agencies must intensify their efforts in the fight against these insurgent groups, protect innocent citizens and ensure that peace is restored to the country.
