On Monday, the Nigerian Army successfully rescued 75 civilian captives from key Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist strongholds within the notorious Sambisa Forest in Borno State.
Maj. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai Joint Taskforce North-East, announced a handover ceremony at Maimalari cantonment in Maiduguri. He was represented by Brig. Gen. Anthony Okpodu, the Deputy Theatre Commander. The 75 rescued captives include seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children.
Gen. Shuaibu explained that the operation, which involved troops from the 21 Special Armoured Brigade and 199 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Desert Sanity IV, was a significant success. Key terrorist enclaves in areas such as Ukuba, Njimia, Sabil Huda, Garin Falluja, and Gobara were cleared, leading to the rescue of the civilians. The operation also led to the neutralization of insurgents and the destruction of several terrorist structures, including command and logistics bases, shelters, weapon caches, and IED-making materials.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts of Operation Hadin Kai, the Borno State government, and other stakeholders in stabilizing the North-East and ensuring the safety of civilians impacted by insurgency. The Theatre Commander emphasized that OPHK’s primary mission is to restore normalcy to the region, protect civilians, and allow socio-economic activities to resume.
Additionally, the operation included humanitarian efforts such as child vaccinations, first aid, medical care, and the distribution of food and relief materials. The rescued civilians received immediate medical care, food, clothing, psychological support, and temporary shelter.
In receiving the victims on behalf of the Borno State government, Hajiya Aisha Shettima, Director of Social Welfare in the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, commended the military’s efforts. She assured that the victims would be taken to the state’s rehabilitation center for livelihood, mental health, and psychosocial support.
