Chibok Schoolgirl Rescued with 3 Children 10 Years After Boko Haram Kidnapping

Ten years after being abducted by Boko Haram extremists from their school in Chibok, Nigeria, one of the missing schoolgirls, Lydia Simon, has been rescued by Nigerian troops along with her three children. Simon, who is five months pregnant, was found in the Gwoza council area of Borno state, a stronghold of the Boko Haram insurgency.

The Chibok abduction in 2014 shocked the world and triggered a global social media campaign, 'BringBackOurGirls.' Militants kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from the Chibok Government Secondary School, including sisters Maryam and Halima Ali Maiyanga. While over 100 of the girls have regained their freedom, 91 are still missing after a decade.

The Nigerian army announced Simon's rescue on Thursday but did not provide details on how she was freed. Some Chibok parents and security analysts have said there is little evidence of a special military operation to free the remaining women. Those who have returned in recent years were mostly found abandoned in the forests, and many have faced trauma and violence from the insurgents, including rape and forced marriages.

Why this matters: The Chibok schoolgirl kidnapping highlighted the ongoing conflict in Nigeria with Boko Haram and other militant groups, which continues to result in mass abductions of children. Despite the global attention the incident received, the story of the Chibok girls has faded from public focus as Nigeria battles persistent security challenges.

The Chibok community is waiting to be officially informed about Simon's rescue and reunited with her. "We are waiting for the government to inform us officially about her rescue and to reunite her with her parents," said Dauda Ndirpaya, secretary of the Chibok parents' association. The families of the 91 Chibok girls still missing continue to hope for their safe return, even as mass kidnappings remain a major concern in Nigeria, with over 1,680 pupils abducted from schools between 2014 and 2022.

Key Takeaways

• 10 years after Chibok abduction, 1 girl rescued with 3 kids, 91 still missing
• Chibok abduction shocked world, over 100 girls freed, 276 schoolgirls kidnapped
• Rescued girl found abandoned in forest, faced trauma, violence, rape, forced marriage
• Chibok community awaits official reunion, mass kidnappings remain major concern in Nigeria
• Over 1,680 pupils abducted from schools in Nigeria between 2014 and 2022