Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 75 civilians from Sambisa Forest during a military offensive aimed at clearing terrorist hideouts in Borno State.
Speaking to journalists on Monday during the handover of the rescued individuals to the Borno State Government in Maiduguri, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General W. Shaibu, confirmed the operation’s success.
Represented by the Deputy Theatre Commander, Brigadier General A.L. Akpodu, he detailed the composition of those rescued, which included seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children.
According to General Shaibu, the rescue mission was part of Operation Desert Sanity IV, executed by the 21 Special Armoured Brigade and the 199 Special Forces Battalion.
“During our recent offensive in Sambisa Forest, troops successfully cleared key terrorist enclaves in locations such as Ukuba, Ujimla, Sabil Huda, Garin, Fajula, and Gobara. This resulted in the rescue of 75 civilians,” he said.
He further noted that insurgent facilities were destroyed during the operation.
“The troops neutralized terrorists and dismantled their command and logistics bases, makeshift shelters, weapon caches, and materials used for making improvised explosive devices,” General Shaibu added.
The rescued individuals, he said, had received medical attention and psychological support before being handed over to the state authorities.
Receiving the victims on behalf of the Borno State Government, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, commended the troops for their relentless efforts in the fight against insurgency.
“These individuals will be taken to our rehabilitation centre, where they will receive livelihood support, counselling, mental health services, skills training for the women, and educational opportunities for the children before being reintegrated into society,” Gambo assured.
