JTF

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued two victims during a fighting patrol along the Naka–Ahume Road in Benue State on 24 October 2026.

According to a statement by Lt Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, the troops encountered suspected kidnappers armed with dangerous weapons while the suspects were attempting to abduct motorists and other road users. The troops engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee. A pursuit followed, but no further contact was made.

One of the rescued victims, Mrs Mngunengen Ihom, 36, from Ahume, sustained machete wounds during the incident. She was evacuated to Naka General Hospital for medical attention.

The Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, and General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara, charged troops to sustain aggressive, intelligence-led operations against armed elements threatening residents in the Joint Operations Area. He also urged personnel to strengthen human intelligence gathering to improve early warning and response to security threats.

Major General Gara reassured residents of the Task Force’s continued commitment to restoring peace and security, and encouraged members of the public to provide credible, timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.

By Uzair Adam 

A nurse abducted by ISWAP terrorists in 2018 has regained her freedom after enduring six years in captivity.  

The nurse, Alice Loksha, was taken alongside two other female health workers on March 1, 2018, while working at a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) facility in Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.  

Speaking to journalists at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri on Friday, Kenneth Chigbu, Deputy Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed that Loksha escaped from captivity and was found in Geidam, Yobe State, on October 24, 2024.  

Chigbu revealed that the 42-year-old endured forced marriages with two ISWAP commanders and faced severe conditions during her captivity.  

“She was initially held in Tumbuma for two days before being relocated to Kwalleram, where she spent seven months and was forced into marriage with a terrorist leader named Abu Umar. 

“This marriage resulted in the birth of her son, Muhammad. Abu Umar was later killed during a gunfight with troops in 2022,” Chigbu said.  

After Abu Umar’s death, Loksha was forced into another marriage with an ISWAP commander named Abu Simak in 2022. However, he was later banished by his fellow terrorists to the Dogon Chukwu camp. 

Loksha managed to escape from this camp through the Diffa axis and reach Geidam, where she reported to JTF troops on October 29.  

“She has since undergone medical evaluation and received humanitarian support,” Chigbu added. 

Chigbu also confirmed the escape of Fayina Ali, the younger sister of the late Samuel Andrew, a soldier who served under the 212 Battalion. 

Fayina was abducted by ISWAP on October 19, 2022, while travelling to Maiduguri to process her late brother’s death benefits.  

“Fayina was held captive in Kangarwa for nine months before being transferred to Tumbuma for four years. She was later returned to Kangarwa, where she remained for another year before escaping,” he said.  

Both women were received by Zuwaira Gambo, Borno State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development. 

Gambo assured that they would undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being reintegrated with their families.  

“This marks a significant step in their recovery and reintegration process,” Gambo said.