The Nigerian military has made significant gains against the Boko Haram terrorist group in the past 18 months, raiding a number of the group's camps in Nigeria's vast Sambisa forest, and freeing at least a thousand women and children who were taken captive during other mass abductions.
Yet, in none of the raids have any rescued prisoners or captured fighters been able to give convincing accounts of meeting or seeing the Chibok schoolgirls who were kidnapped on the night of April 14, 2014. The militant group's leader, Abubakr Shekau, had previously demanded the release of jailed comrades in exchange for the girls. But a deal along those lines -- brokered by the Red Cross -- fell through after Nigerian prison officials said that the commanders on a list given to them by Boko Haram were not in their custody.
The terrorist group is now seeking a large ransom for the release of the remaining 219 schoolgirls. (Some of the girls have thankfully managed to safely escape captivity.) The sect is thought to have issued the demand during secret contacts with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari who has announced his willingness to negotiate for the girls' freedom. A previous report on the kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls may be reviewed here.
Another encouraging step has recently been made by the government. Nigeria's Defence Headquarters launched "Operation Safe Corridor," a program to rehabilitate repentant Boko Haram fighters through camps where they will be offered jobs and training in return for undergoing biometric profiling. The military said some 800 fighters have already signed up for the program, and that other similar camps will be available across northeast Nigeria in ensuing months.
While we can be so very grateful for the wonderful gains made thus far, please pray for the success of the rehabilitation program. May many more Boko Haram members firmly resolve to leave their former deeds of evil behind them, and instead reach for the greater plans God has in store for their future. Ask the Lord to continue ministering to the abducted victims being held against their will – resulting in their liberty from captivity, reunion with concerned family members, and the restoration of their lives. Uphold Nigeria's governmental leaders as they seek to bring an end to the violence, rehabilitate insurgents, and provide protection for the civilian population. May He bless them with wisdom, strength and discernment.
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