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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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Modern market: I’ve fulfilled campaign promises to Ngalda community – Buni

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Modern market: I’ve fulfilled campaign promises to Ngalda community – Buni

Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Tuesday, said he has fulfilled his campaign promises to the good people of Ngalda community in Fika Local Government Area of the state following the inauguration of the newly reconstructed modern market in the community.

Buni stated that this in Ngalda community during the inauguration of the ultra modern market reconstructed by his administration to boost economic activities, create jobs for youths as well as boost the revenue of the state.

He stated that the facility which was completed in 10 months has all the modern equipment that any modern market ought to have to serve the economic requirement for businesses and trade to thrive seamlessly.

He said that by inaugurating the facility, he had fulfilled the campaign promises made to the good people of Ngalda to reconstruct the market, equip it with modern facilities as well as address the challenge of poor drainage resulting in perennial flooding in the community.

The inauguration of Ngalda Modern Market and concrete drainage is part of our legacy projects in fulfilment of our (campaign) promises to the good people of Ngalda and its environs.

This project has 272 shops of different sizes, administrative block, mosque, refuse collection point, parameter fence, pavement, drainage, boreholes, fire service station, police outpost, microfinance bank, and a 2.98 kilometer drainage is being constructed to tackle the perennial flooding being experienced in the town.’

Buni said that the market is one of the most thriving markets in the state that enjoyed patronage from across the country with the huge turnover that contributed to the state’s economy.

According to him, the new modern market will further increase economic activities in the area, creates job and income generation to the people and also promote post insurgency economic recovery programme of his administration.

He urged the people to take ownership of the market by ensuring its cleanliness for maximum benefits and good utilisation of the facility for the government to have value for the money expended on the project.

He further urged the market authorities to take all necessary steps to prevent leakages in the revenue collection drive and ensure that all revenue generated are remitted to government coffers to be used as part of funds to strengthen development in the state.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support to Yobe State that had enabled the state to execute projects for the benefit of the people.

In conclusion, Buni, named the new Ngalda market after Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, saying that the market would now be called Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya Modern Market.’’ In his remarks, Yahaya thanked Buni for executing alegacy and well constructed project’’, noting that the market would impact the economy of Yobe and Gombe States and Nigeria at large.

In his remarks, Hon. Kaigama Umar Yunusari, the Yobe State Commissioner of Commerce, Industry, Tourism, and Solid Minerals said that the state government under Buni’s leadership, since 2019, had established nine ultra modern markets across the state with six completed while three were ongoing.

Yunusari while commending Gov. Buni for the initiative aimed at boosting economic activities, job and wealth creation for the people, stated that the modern markets have become a model for other states.

Modern market: I’ve fulfilled campaign promises to Ngalda community – Buni

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Security forced arrested three over illegal arms dealings in Bauchi

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Security forced arrested three over illegal arms dealings in Bauchi

By: Zagazola Makama

Three men have been arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal weapons dealings in Bauchi State, security sources said.

The suspects, identified as Peter Pama and Saleh Monday, both of Iburu, and Sunday Makama of Kasuwan Magani, were apprehended on Feb. 17 following intelligence on illicit arms activities.

Zagazola gathered that one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and one fabricated pump-action gun from the suspects.

Investigations into the case are ongoing as security agencies work to determine the full extent of the arms network.

Security forced arrested three over illegal arms dealings in Bauchi

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Joint troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, neutralise two and recover motorcycle

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Joint troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, neutralise two and recover motorcycle

By: Zagazola Makama

Joint troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have repelled an armed bandit attack in Gida Soda Village, Katsina State, neutralising two attackers and recovering a motorcycle, security sources said.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 12:45 a.m. on Feb. 17 when suspected bandits stormed the village. Troops, acting promptly in coordination with local police and Civil Watch Patrol Teams, engaged the attackers in an intense gunfight, forcing the criminals to flee.

During the operation, two of the bandits were neutralised, and a Boxer-brand motorcycle belonging to the group was recovered.

Tragically, one resident, Hassana Muhammad, 30, was reportedly fatally shot during the attack. She was rushed to Dansoda Hospital, where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel.

Sources said efforts to track fleeing bandits and secure the area are ongoing.

Joint troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, neutralise two and recover motorcycle

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