A young Nigerian doctor, Chinonye Nwachukwu, has regained her freedom after being held by kidnappers for nearly three weeks, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the Federal Capital Territory announced on Monday.
Nwachukwu, a Ukraine-trained medical practitioner, was reportedly seized on 21 October while en route to her duty post at Garki Hospital, Abuja. Her abduction triggered widespread anxiety and public appeals from colleagues and family members.
According to the NMA-FCT chairman, Dr. Emeka Ayogu, she was rescued late Sunday night in the Gwagwalada area and is now receiving medical care. “After almost three weeks in captivity, Dr. Nwachukwu has been freed by her abductors. She was rescued safely and is currently undergoing treatment,” he said.
Ayogu thanked security operatives and supporters who contributed to her safe return, calling the development “a collective victory for the medical community.”
The association had earlier appealed to authorities to prioritise her rescue, citing growing concerns over the safety of medical workers amid rising insecurity in parts of Nigeria.
While details of the operation leading to her release remain unclear, the NMA-FCT said it was relieved that the ordeal had ended safely, reaffirming its call for stronger measures to protect healthcare professionals.
