In a remarkable display of courage and determination, the Troops from the Joint Taskforce, Northeast Operation Hadin-Kai, have successfully rescued 75 civilians from the heart of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State.
This courageous rescue operation, carried out amid intense combat, took place during a series of strategic maneuvers by the Nigerian military forces.
Major General Waheed Shaibu, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin-Kai, announced the successful mission on Monday in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, where the victims were handed over to the Borno State Government.
Represented by Brigadier General A.L Akpodu, the Deputy Theatre Commander, Shaibu disclosed that the 75 rescued individuals comprised seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children, all of whom had been trapped in the notorious Sambisa Forest.
The rescue was made possible through a well-coordinated clearance operation executed by the 21 Special Armoured Brigade and 199 Special Forces Battalion under the banner of Operation Desert Sanity IV.
As part of the mission, the forces strategically dismantled key terrorist hideouts across several areas within Sambisa Forest, including in strategic locations such as Ukuba, Ujimla, Sabil Huda, Garin, Fajula, and Gobara. These critical operations not only rescued the civilians but also led to the destruction of vital infrastructure used by insurgents.
“The operation was a significant success in degrading the terrorists’ ability to wage further violence,” General Shaibu stated. “We neutralized several insurgents, destroyed numerous insurgent logistics and command centers, as well as weapons caches, IED-making materials, and makeshift shelters used by the militants.”
Following their rescue, the survivors, who had endured the horrors of insurgency, received immediate medical attention and psychological care. With support from the military, the rescued civilians are now in the process of being safely handed over to the Borno State Government for further assistance.
In a statement, Zuwaira Gambo, the Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs, expressed her gratitude to the military for their heroism and commitment. “We are dedicated to supporting these survivors with comprehensive care. Our centers will provide vital services, including livelihood support, mental health counseling, educational services for the children, and specialized programs for women before their reintegration into society.”
This successful mission underscores the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian military in ensuring the safety and welfare of civilians, as they continue their relentless fight against insurgency in the region.
The rescued individuals now have a renewed hope for the future, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the Operation Hadin-Kai troops and the Borno State Government’s commitment to their well-being.
