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The story of Alice, aid worker who escaped 6 years in captivity faces death threat from ISWAP

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The story of Alice, aid worker who escaped 6 years in captivity faces death threat from ISWAP

By: Zagazola Makama

Mrs. Alice Loksha Nggatah, a UNICEF Humanitarian Staff/Nurse who escaped from the enclave of the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) is now facing significant threats to her life despite regaining freedom.

Before she was abducted, Alice, was the wife of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel Airman, had spent over six years in captivity within ISWAP Camp. While in captivity, Her professional experience as a nurse, made an invaluable need to the terrorists.

Meanwhile and at the same time using her gift, utilised the worthy profession plan her escape taking along what has rendered her a major target to ISWAP as she reintegrates into civilian life.

From Captivity to Freedom

Alice was abducted in 2018 from Rann, Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State, during an ISWAP attack while working with UNICEF. In captivity, her nursing skills were exploited by the terrorists, making her a prominent figure within the enclave. This as well after her ingenious escape, is being targeted by ISWAP poses a risk to her safety, where ISWAP deployed those lurking in the dark to track her down and eliminate her as a way of seeking retribution for the escape.

Her daring flight to freedom, facilitated by her initiative, took her through Diffa in Niger Republic and Geidam in Yobe State where she was rescued by the troops of Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai. Alongside her was Miss Fayina Ali Akilawus, another escapee abducted in 2020. Fayina, the sister of a fallen Nigerian Army soldier who was captured along the Maiduguri – Damaturu road and married off over three times to ISWAP Commanders. Very well, Fayina has been reunited with her family thanks to arrangements made by a humanitarian organization. Equally, Alice was not left out she took had been married off, with child and whom she escaped with, the joy of her life.

In a remarkable twist of events, Alice and Fayina credited the military’s psychological operations, particularly under the Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), for enabling their escape. Leaflets dropped by the military encouraging captives to flee or insurgents to surrender have significantly disrupted ISWAP’s stronghold and escape of their captives.

Life-Threatening Challenges

Alice expressed her fears of staying in Maiduguri or any part of northern Nigeria. Her prominence during captivity in providing medical services to the top insurgents and their wives and thereafter her escape with a three-year-old child born to ISWAP top Commander have made her a marked individual. ISWAP are unforgettable with vengeance on the would-be claims, Alice, stole what belongs to them. The child, named Mohammed, symbolizes a big loss to the terrorist group, which further heightens the risks Alice faces.

Alice Husband Rejected her after return

After escape, the joy of freedom was caught short. Alice’s husband, a NAF personnel, could not wait longer for his wife’s return. He got married to another woman who now takes care of her two children. Heartbreakingly,
despite learning of her husband’s remarriage, Alice attempted to go back to him but he rejected her, saying that she had already married an ISWAP and carrying his child. Again, despite this rejected Alice remains committed to her identity and struggle. However, her next steps will depend on consultations with her family as she navigates this life threatening challenges.

Alice Loksha Nggatah’s story sheds light on the complex realities faced by former captives, particularly as they faced victimisations on return by members of their families and the society. While her escape symbolizes resilience and courage, it also underscores the urgent need for enhanced protection and reintegration measures for individuals in similar circumstances. The question is, the PTSD syndrome and subsequent rehabilitation. Better yet, in exploitation of such victims, how far has security and intelligence agencies utilised the means to an end. The unique case of Alice, has much to offer too intelligence community to further execution of operations and enrich its database on BOKO HARAM and it’s vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, the unwavering support of Mr Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Theater command Operation Hadin Kai, Nigerian Airforce, and UNICEF provided to Alice as she
embarks on a new chapter of life, navigating the threats posed by her past role in captivity and striving for a future of safety and peace was very commendable.

The story of Alice, aid worker who escaped 6 years in captivity faces death threat from ISWAP

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Troops detect, detonate IED along Ngoshe–Pulka road in Borno

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Troops detect, detonate IED along Ngoshe–Pulka road in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of 82 Division Task Force Battalion have successfully detected and detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) along a major supply route in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.

Security sources said the device was discovered at about 9:42 a.m. on March 22 during a routine scan of the Main Supply Route (MSR) between PAPA 4 and PAPA 5 along the Ngoshe–Pulka road.

The IED, suspected to have been planted by terrorists to target troops and commuters, was safely recovered and detonated in situ by the EOD team without causing any casualties.

Military sources said the operation was part of ongoing counter-IED measures aimed at ensuring the safety of movement along critical routes in the North-East.

Residents and road users have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or activities to security agencies for prompt action.

Troops detect, detonate IED along Ngoshe–Pulka road in Borno

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ISWAP cleric threatens attack on Malam Fatori, after humiliating defeat, troops urged to remain alert

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ISWAP cleric threatens attack on Malam Fatori, after humiliating defeat, troops urged to remain alert

By: Zagazola Makama

A suspected ISWAP cleric has issued threats of a possible attack on Malam Fatori following the recent neutralization of 75 terrorists in a failed attack on March 18 2026.

According to intelligence sources, the cleric, who reportedly led this year Eid Fitr prayers in a location near Sabon Tumbu, warned during his sermon that the group would soon retaliate against Nigerian troops for operations carried out in Malam Fatori.

The source said the cleric specifically threatened that the town could be “reduced to ashes” in a reprisal attack, stressing that such statements by insurgents should not be dismissed as mere rhetoric.

Sources noted that past experiences have shown that insurgent groups often act on their threats, urging troops deployed in Malam Fatori to remain on high alert and adequately equipped to counter any potential assault.

They also warned that the insurgents could deploy heavy firepower and adopt tactics such as coordinated assaults and the use of vehicle-borne explosive devices in any attempted attack.

Malam Fatori has for long been described as the town as a long-standing stronghold of military resistance against terrorist elements. The town has, over the years, witnessed decisive military victories against ISWAP fighters, nick named the “Grave Yard of ISWAP” and earning a REPUTATION as a difficult terrain for insurgents to operate.

The troops of the Armed Forces, supported by other security agencies, remain on high alert and have continued to fortify defensive positions in anticipation of any attempted incursion.

According to the sources, intelligence and surveillance have been intensified, while logistics and operational readiness have been enhanced to ensure that any threat is decisively neutralised.

“Experience has shown that insurgents often suffer heavy losses whenever they attempt to attack well-defended positions like Malam Fatori,” the source said.

ISWAP cleric threatens attack on Malam Fatori, after humiliating defeat, troops urged to remain alert

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Baban Chinedu says Pastor Ezekiel Dachomo is a former Armed robber now turned crises entrepreneur

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Baban Chinedu says Pastor Ezekiel Dachomo is a former Armed robber now turned crises entrepreneur

By: Zagazola Makama

Sheikh Yusuf Haruna Baban Chinedu, popularly known as Baban Chinedu, has launched a scathing and evidence-based attack on controversial Plateau pastor Ezekiel Dachomo in a viral video, accusing him of being a former armed robber and a liar who fabricated stories about meeting Jesus after a 1980 bank robbery in Jos.

Baban Chinedu declared: “Ezekiel Dachomo isn’t just someone seen in a photo with a bandit; no, he is the bandit! … Ezekiel committed armed robbery. We have records on him from 1976, from ’76 to sometime after 2000. … This man is a hardened armed robber.”

He played a clip of Dachomo admitting: “Because I went in 1980 is our gang that robbed a bank in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. 1980, they make away with a lot of money. It was my best friend that led the operation.” Baban Chinedu challenged: “Praise be to God, I hope you all heard the statement this man made. … He is lying! I want you to listen and know that first of all, this man is a complete hypocrite and a total liar. I swear, it was a gun that shot them! Angels? He claims Jesus came down with seven angels who struck them and killed fourteen people while he hid in the blood? You see, even the angels God sent down… only managed to kill fourteen people and lost track of where that one man was?”

The sheikh alleged Dachomo hid among corpses and was rescued by a gang member named Emmanuel, not Jesus: “He was begging Jesus for God’s sake to forgive him and spare his life. He claims that was where he met Jesus… By Allah, he is lying! … It was a gun that shot them! No Jesus descended there; he is lying to you.” He added: “A lady told me; she heard him when he was shot, and he still has the scar from that wound on his left side. … He is lying! At that time, it was the police, Nigerian security agents, Nigeria Police MOPOL who she said shot them.”

Baban Chinedu accused Dachomo of transitioning from “practical, street-level bandit” to “spiritual bandit” and inciting religious conflict: “The armed bandits of the past are the ones who transformed into these kidnappers. … All those who are making these plans are your boys… You’re insulting her religion, she told us the truth about everything that happened… You are a robber, and the government should investigate you; you’re behind all of this.”

He challenged Dachomo to court: “Ezekiel, I, Yusuf Haruna Baban Chinedu, challenge you: if you know there’s any falsehood in what’s being said about you, take it to court.” The sheikh demanded investigation: “We want the government if possible to investigate this man, I swear to God he’s an armed robber… By Allah, the government should know that Ezekiel is involved in this. Let him tell you the names of those he robbed with.”

The viral video has ignited fierce online reactions, with many praising Baban Chinedu’s evidence-based approach while others condemn the personal attacks on Dachomo, intensifying Nigeria’s ongoing religious and ethnic tensions occasioned by US recent remarks on Christians genocide propaganda. Watch the video in the comment section.

Baban Chinedu says Pastor Ezekiel Dachomo is a former Armed robber now turned crises entrepreneur

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