MNJTF facilitates return of nurse abducted by ISWAP

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has facilitated the return of a Nigerian nurse who was abducted by the Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents and held in captivity since the start of 2020.

The release of the nurse was in consonance with the mandate of MNJTF to “Facilitate within the limits of it’s capabilities, humanitarian operations and the delivery of assistance to the affected populations,” said chief of Military Public Information for MNJTF, Col. Muhammed Dole.

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He said the nurse who was incarcerated in one of ISWAP’s strong holds in the Lake Chad bolted to safety and freedom, in the aftermath of a joint air interdiction conducted by the MNJTF and national partners.

He quoted the victim as saying, “’After bombs and rockets from the aircrafts landed and everywhere exploded in flames, both insurgents and hostages ran for dear life.

‘I had to take my chance. I am grateful to God that I was able to escape’”.

MNJTF spokesperson said the nurse was able to find his way to a village in Niger Republic where he was promptly handed over to security agents in Sector 4 of the MNJTF.

According to him, the airlift and hand-over of the nurse to Nigerian authorities was preceded by medical examination conducted to determine the state of health of the victim.

“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.

“The MNJTF wishes to reassure populations in the Lake Chad Basin of it’s determination to provide security and facilitate development efforts being spearheaded by the respective national governments and international development partners,” he said. (NAN)