Troops Rescue 75 Civilians from Sambisa Forest in Borno

Troops Rescue 75 Civilians from Sambisa Forest in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully rescued 75 civilians from Sambisa Forest in Borno State during a clearance operation against insurgents.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Monday during the official handover of the rescued individuals to the Borno State government, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Maj. Gen. W. Shaibu, disclosed that the group included seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children. He was represented by the Deputy Theater Commander, Brig. Gen. A.L. Akpodu.

According to Akpodu, the rescue was carried out during a coordinated offensive operation under Operation Desert Sanity IV, led by the 21 Special Armored Brigade and the 199 Special Forces Battalion.

“As part of our sustained counter-insurgency efforts, troops successfully cleared key terrorist enclaves in Ukuba, Ujimla, Sabil Huda, Garin, Fajula, and Gobara, leading to the rescue of 75 civilians,” he stated.

Insurgent Bases Destroyed

Beyond the rescue mission, the military operation also led to the destruction of several insurgent facilities, significantly weakening their operational capacity.

“The offensive resulted in the neutralization of insurgents and the destruction of their command and logistics bases, makeshift shelters, weapon stockpiles, and bomb-making materials,” Akpodu added.

Borno Government to Provide Support and Reintegration

The rescued civilians have since undergone medical and psychological assessments and are set to be integrated into rehabilitation programs.

Receiving the victims on behalf of the Borno State government, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, commended the military for their relentless efforts in combating insurgency.

“We will provide them with essential rehabilitation, including livelihood support, counseling, psychosocial care, and educational services for the children. Our goal is to ensure their smooth reintegration into society before their final resettlement,” she assured.

The rescue mission marks another milestone in ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the Northeast.