Nigerian troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force have rescued a health worker who was abducted by the Islamic State-affiliated terrorists since 2020. According to the MNJTF, the nurse was rescued after an air raid on one of the camps of the Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP), a splinter group of Boko Haram.
MNJTF is a multinational military formation of mostly troops from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. Speaking on the development, the spokesperson of MNJTF, Muhammed Dole said, the aerial bombardment of the terrorist group’s camp led to the freedom of the nurse.
The elated nurse was reported to have expressed joy at the development. “After bombs and rockets from the aircraft landed and everywhere exploded in flames, both terrorists and hostages ran for dear life. I had to take my chance. I am grateful to God that I was able to escape,” the victim was quoted in a statement.
Dole said the rescue of the nurse aligned with the mandate of MNJTF which includes to “facilitate within the limits of its capabilities, humanitarian operations and the delivery of assistance to the affected populations.”
According to Dole, the nurse successfully found his way to a village in Niger Republic where he was quickly handed over to security agents in sector 4 of the MNJTF. He also said the man was airlifted and handed over to the Nigerian authorities after he had undergone medical examination to check the state of his health. “This is necessary after spending eight months in the horrific and squalid conditions which he had to endure during the period of his captivity in ISWAP enclave,” Dole said.
He also reiterated the commitment of the MNJTF to securing the Lake Chad region and the troops’ “determination to provide security and facilitate development efforts being spearheaded by the respective national governments and international development partners.”
Nigeria has lost a number of aid workers who were abducted and killed by insurgents.
