Troops from Operation Hadin Kai have successfully rescued 75 civilians from the notorious Sambisa Forest in Borno State. The rescue was part of a clearance operation aimed at eliminating insurgent hideouts in the area.
During the handover of the rescued individuals to the Borno State government in Maiduguri on Monday, Major General W. Shaibu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, provided details of the operation.
Represented by Brigadier General A.L. Akpodu, the Deputy Theater Commander, he noted that the group included seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children.
The rescue mission was carried out by troops from the 21 Special Armored Brigade and the 199 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Desert Sanity IV. Brigadier General Akpodu stated, “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 further noted that the military cleared key insurgent locations, including Ukuba, Ujimla, Sabil Huda, Garin, Fajula, and Gobara. The operation led to the destruction of several terrorist facilities and significantly weakened the insurgents’ ability to launch further attacks.
“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 undergone medical checks and psychological evaluations to ensure their well-being. They are now set to be transferred to the Borno State government for further care and rehabilitation.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, praised the soldiers for their efforts in securing the region. She assured that the victims would receive necessary support, including counseling, education, and vocational training, to help them reintegrate into society.
“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.
