Boko Haram: Boy returns to Nigeria after successful surgery in UAE

After undergoing surgery that lasted for almost six hours, about one week in the intensive care unit (ICU), and a month in recovery in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ali Ahmadu Chibok, the six-year-old boy who fell victim to one of Boko Haram’s murderous invasions on Chibok community in Borno State four years ago, returned home Monday to a tumultuous welcome.

Ali, whose return was covered by reporters, arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, onboard an Ethiopian Airways flight at exactly 12.22 p.m. from Dubai, where he had spent a couple of months undergoing treatment.

The young lad was dressed in grey blazer, white shirt and blue jeans, and was all smiles as he disembarked from the plane.


Overwhelmed with joy, Ali thrilled the crowd with brisk walks at the Abuja airport. It was hectic controlling those who trooped out to catch the glimpse of the boy.

When he was approached by journalists at the arrival area of the airport, he simply said: “I am fine.”

When asked in Hausa about his experience in Dubai, he said “lafiya lao” (Fine, thank you).

To really prove that he was fine, Ali lifted his legs almost in a goose-step, much to the delight of onlookers. We are so happy about this.