Tuesday, March 11, 2025 - Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued 75 civilians from Sambisa Forest in Borno State during a clearance operation against insurgents.
Addressing journalists on Monday in Maiduguri, the General Officer Commanding
(GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. W. Shaibu, represented by the
Deputy Theater Commander, Brig. Gen. A.L. Akpodu, revealed that the rescued
individuals comprised seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children.
According to him, the operation, executed by the 21 Special Armored
Brigade and the 199 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Desert Sanity IV,
successfully dismantled terrorist strongholds in key locations, including
Ukuba, Ujimla, Sabil Huda, Garin, Fajula, and Gobara.
“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.
He also confirmed that, “Key terrorist enclaves were cleared, leading to the
rescue of 75 civilians.”
Brig. Gen. Akpodu further stated that the operation significantly
weakened insurgent capabilities by neutralizing fighters and destroying
critical assets, including command and logistics bases, makeshift shelters,
weapon stockpiles, and improvised explosive device (IED) manufacturing sites.
The rescued civilians have since undergone medical and psychological
evaluations and are set to be reintegrated into society.
Receiving the victims on behalf of the Borno State government, the
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, commended
the troops for their bravery and commitment to restoring peace in the region.
“We are taking them to our rehabilitation centre, where they will
receive livelihood support, counseling, mental health and psychosocial
assistance, as well as educational services for the children,” Gambo said.
“We will ensure they are well reintegrated before releasing them back
into society,” he added.
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