The Nigerian Military has handed over the recently rescued Chibok girl, Lydia Simon and her three children to the Borno state government.
Lydia, who was on serial number 68 was rescued along with her three children by troops conducting Operation Desert Sanity III.
The handing over tool place on Thursday, 8th May 2024 at the Theatre Command, Joint Taskforce North East Operation Hadin Kai at the Command-and-Control Centre Maimalari cantonment in Maiduguri.
According to Major General Waidi Shuaibu, the Theatre Commander, Lydia was rescued on 17th April, 2024 by troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army.
He revealed that direct military operations resulted in the rescue of 18 Chibok girls from captivity.
General Shuaibu expressed commitment of the military to rescuing the remaining girls and reunit them with their families.
“Recently, one of the Chibok girls was rescued by troops of 7 Division. The Theatre will continue to do its best to rescue the remaining ones in captivity in line with the strategic guidance and directive of the Commander-in-Chief and the directives and direction from the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff ” General Shuaibu said.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding GOC, 7 Division Nigerian Army, Brigedier Abubakar Haruna said Lydia has received proper medical attention from the military facility.
The GOC added that the rescued girl and her children will be handed over to the Borno state government for subsequent reintegration with her family and loved ones. "we have done possible things to make her feel at home again, she was first of all given proper medical attention, her and her children were treated of an ailment, we gave her new clothing and ensure that she was feed throughout the period ” General Haruna remarked.
The rescued Chibok girl Lydia Simon in an interview with newsmen said she decided to leave the Boko Haram enclave to live a better life with her children after spending more than ten years in captivity.