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.
Alice , From Captivity to Freedom
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.
