On Sunday, April 24, 2023, two more Chibok schoolgirls who had been held captive were rescued from Sambisa forest in a successful military operation but at least 90 more remain in captivity out of the over 200 school girls that were kidnapped seven years ago.
A reliable security officer at the 7th Division, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, confirmed the development to reporters Monday evening.
The Nigerian troops of 21 Armoured Brigade Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) Bama also repelled an attack by the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists on the outskirts of Borno town.
Reportedly, the terrorists tried to cause havoc by storming the town from the Sambisa axis through Yarimari Gana in the early hours of Sunday morning. The troops, however, effectively neutralised their attempt. On the same day, suspected ISWAP members carried out an attack on a military outpost in Pulka village, leading to the death of a soldier.
The rescued Chibok schoolgirls were identified as Hauwa Mutah and Esther Markus. One of them is from Chibok, while the other hails from Dzilang village. The successful rescue operation reduces the number of Chibok schoolgirls in captivity from 98 to 96.
