The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 75 civilians from Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorist strongholds within the Sambisa Forest in Borno State. The rescued individuals included seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children.
Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai Joint Taskforce North-East (OPHK) Maj. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, disclosed this on Monday while overseeing the handover ceremony of the captives at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri. Represented by Brig. Gen. Anthony Okpodu, the Deputy Theatre Commander, Shuaibu stated that the operation significantly impacted the insurgents’ capabilities. The troops neutralized a number of insurgents, destroyed terrorist command centers, logistics bases, makeshift shelters, weapon caches, and materials used to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which effectively disrupted the terrorists’ structures.
The successful operation, carried out by the 21 Special Armoured Brigade and the 199 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Desert Sanity IV, cleared key terrorist enclaves in areas such as Ukuba, Njimia, Sabil Huda, Garin Falluja, and Gobara.
Gen. Okpodu highlighted the collective efforts of OPHK, the Borno State government, and other key stakeholders in stabilizing the region. He emphasized that OPHK’s mandate remains focused on eliminating insurgent threats, securing liberated areas, and enabling socio-economic activities to resume.
Beyond military operations, OPHK has also been involved in humanitarian efforts, including child vaccinations, medical interventions, and the distribution of food and relief materials. The rescued civilians received immediate medical care, food, clothing, psychological support, and temporary shelter as part of their reintegration process.
Director of Social Welfare at the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Aisha Shettima, received the victims on behalf of the state government. She praised the military’s efforts and assured that the captives would be supported with rehabilitation services, including livelihoods and mental health support.
