Troops receive three Boko Haram escapees in Gwoza area

By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have received three civilians who escaped from captivity of terrorists in the Gwoza axis of Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola that  the escapees, comprising two adult women and a minor, arrived at troops’ location on March 14 after fleeing from insurgents who had abducted them during a recent attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area.

The sources identified the escapees as Aishatu Dahiru, 67; Aisha Ali, 43; and Asta Ali, a minor.

According to the sources, the victims disclosed during preliminary screening that they were initially taken to a terrorist enclave in Gava after their abduction, while other captives were reportedly moved to camps located in Chinene and Ghiraza.

The escapees further revealed that the insurgents responsible for the Ngoshe attack were mobilised from the various camps to carry out the operation.

They also alleged that two individuals identified as Sule Shuaibu, also known as Dafa, and one Dabbaba were among those who coordinated the attack. The pair were said to be former members of local hybrid security forces in Ngoshe before allegedly defecting to the insurgent group.

The victims told troops that the terrorists had threatened abducted residents that anyone who attempted to escape towards Pulka town would be killed whenever the insurgents launched attacks on the area.

Military sources said the escapees had been properly screened, documented and provided with necessary assistance, adding that they were currently in custody for further administrative procedures.