Troops rescue 75 civilians, mostly women, children from Sambisa forest

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

Speaking in Maiduguri on Monday while handing over the rescued individuals to the Borno State government, Maj. Gen. W. Shaibu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, disclosed that the group consisted of seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children.

Represented by Brig. Gen. A.L. Akpodu, the Deputy Theater Commander, Shaibu stated that the rescue mission was carried out by troops of the 21 Special Armored Brigade and the 199 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Desert Sanity IV.

“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 added.

He further noted that the military destroyed several insurgent facilities during the operation.

“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.

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.