Seventy-five abducted civilians have been freed by troops of Operation Hadin Kai following a successful clearance operation in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
The rescue operation, carried out by the 21 Special Armored Brigade and the 199 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Desert Sanity IV, targeted key terrorist hideouts across several locations, including Ukuba, Ujimla, Sabil Huda, Garin, Fajula, and Gobara.
Addressing journalists on Monday in Maiduguri, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. W. Shaibu, represented by Brig. Gen. A.L. Akpodu, confirmed that the rescued individuals included seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children.
“As part of our ongoing clearance efforts, troops of the 21 Special Armored Brigade and the 199 Special Forces Battalion recently executed successful offensive operations in Sambisa Forest,” he stated.
The Nigerian military also destroyed several insurgent facilities, including command centers, logistics hubs, makeshift shelters, weapon caches, and IED-making materials, significantly weakening terrorist strongholds in the region.
Following their rescue, the civilians received medical attention and psychological support to aid their recovery. They are now set to be handed over to the Borno State government for further rehabilitation.
Receiving the victims, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, praised the troops for their bravery and commitment in the fight against insurgency.
“We are taking them to our rehabilitation center, where they will receive livelihood support, counseling, mental health and psychosocial services, as well as educational support for the children. We will ensure their proper reintegration before they return to society,” she assured.
The rescue marks another significant victory for Operation Hadin Kai, as the military continues its efforts to restore peace and stability in the Northeast.
