People
Chibok girl abducted by Boko Haram rescued by troops 11 years after with three children
In a momentous turn of events, Lydia Simon, the courageous Chibok schoolgirl, and her three children have been joyfully reunited with the Borno State government after a daring rescue operation executed by the Nigerian Army.
With emotions running high and tears of relief flowing freely, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, orchestrated a touching handover ceremony at Maiduguri’s Mailmalari Cantonment.
Lydia’s journey, once fraught with despair and captivity, now stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. Her story intertwines with the tapestry of history, alongside the resounding call of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, embodying the triumph of light over darkness.
In a daring display of bravery, troops from the 82 Division Task Force Battalion ventured into the perilous depths of Gwoza Local Government Area, rescuing Lydia and her children from the clutches of terror. Maj. Gen. Shuaibu revealed that Lydia, carrying life within her, holds the distinction of being the 18th Chibok girl liberated by the valiant Nigerian military.
Lydia’s liberation echoes the spirit of Esther Marcus, the first among the abducted to taste freedom, underscoring the tireless efforts and sacrifices made to reclaim stolen lives. Brig. Gen. Abubakar Haruna, acting General Officer Commanding of 7 Division, expressed pride in the division’s pivotal role in providing Lydia with essential medical care and support upon her release.
As Lydia steps into the embrace of freedom, her journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The Nigerian Army, under the strategic guidance of its leadership, remains unwavering in its commitment to liberate all those ensnared by terror’s grip.
With gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for steadfast support, the nation celebrates Lydia’s return—a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.