The Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has handed over 75 rescued civilians to the Borno government.
The hostages were rescued from terrorists’ hideout in Sambisa forest.
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, Maj. Gen. W. Shaibu, revealed that the group included seven adult men, 34 women, and 34 children.
Gen Shaibu, represented by the Deputy Theater Commander, Brig. Gen. A.L. Akpodu explained that the civilians were rescued during a clearance operation conducted by the 21 Special Armored Brigade and the 199 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Desert Sanity IV in Sambisa Forest.
“As part of our ongoing clearance efforts, troops of the 21 Special Armored Brigade and the 199 Special Forces Battalion recently carried out successful offensive operations in Sambisa Forest,” he said.
“Key terrorist enclaves in Ukuba, Ujimla, Sabil Huda, Garin, Fajula, and Gobara were cleared, leading to the rescue of 75 civilians, including seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children,” he said further.
According to him, the Nigerian Army has dealt a major blow to insurgents in Sambisa Forest, neutralizing fighters and dismantling their command and logistics bases.
Shaibu stated further that troops also destroyed makeshift shelters, weapon caches, and materials used for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
“The operation significantly degraded enemy capabilities by neutralising insurgents and destroying command and logistics bases, makeshift shelters, weapon caches, and IED-making materials,” he said.
The rescued civilians have received medical and psychological support and are now set to be handed over to the Borno State government.
While receiving the victims on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, commended the troops for their gallantry in the fight against insurgency.
“We are taking them to our rehabilitation centre, where they will receive livelihood support, counseling services, mental health and psychosocial support, and educational services for the children.”
” We will ensure they are well reintegrated before releasing them back into society,” she said.
