The Nigerian Army on Monday handed over 75 civilian captives rescued in key Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists’ key enclaves within the notorious Sambisa Forest in Borno State.
The Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai Joint Taskforce North-East, Maj. Gen Waidi Shuaibu, disclosed this to Journalists, while handing over the 75 rescued captives comprising 7 adult males, 34 women, and 34 children at Maimalari cantonment in Maiduguri.
Represented by the Deputy Theatre Commander, Brig. Gen Anthony Okpodu, the Theatre Commander, Maj Gen Shuaibu, said the operation significantly degraded enemy capabilities by neutralising insurgents, destroying command and logistics bases, makeshift shelters, weapon caches, and IED-making materials, thereby disrupting their life-supporting structures.
“As part of our ongoing clearance efforts, troops from the 21 Special Armoured Brigade and 199 Special Forces Battalion recently conducted successful offensive operations under Operation Desert Sanity 1V in the Sambisa Forest.
“Key terrorist enclaves in Ukuba, Njimia, Sabil Huda, Garin Falluja, and Gobara were cleared, leading to the rescue of 75 civilians, including seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children. The operation significantly degraded enemy capabilities by neutralizing insurgents, destroying command and logistics bases, makeshift shelters, weapon caches, and IED-making materials, thereby disrupting their life-supporting structures,” he said.
Gen. Okpodu said the day’s handover ceremony highlights the collective efforts of OPHK, the Borno State government, and key stakeholders in stabilising the North-East and ensuring the safety and well-being of civilians affected by insurgency.
He noted that OPHK remains committed to its primary mandate: facilitating the restoration of normalcy in the region to enable socio-economic activities to thrive, adding that the operations conducted by OPHK are focused on eliminating insurgent threats, protecting civilian populations, enabling governance structures, and ensuring the resumption of economic and social activities without hindrance.
The Theatre Commander said beyond security operations, OPHK remains committed to humanitarian efforts, particularly in alignment with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Reaching Inaccessible Children (RIC) Initiative.
“During the recent operations, troops provided critical interventions, including child vaccinations, first aid, medical cure, and the distribution of food and relief materials. The rescued ones were given immediate medical attention, clothing (as you all can see them wearing their Hijab clothings), food, psychological support and temporary shelter pending reintegration efforts,” he further said.
He said moving forward, OPHK remains resolute in its mission to eliminate threats of insurgency, secure liberated areas, protect lives and property, and create an enabling environment for governance and socio-economic development.
He urged the general public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security forces, and report any suspicious activities to enhance collective security efforts.
Receiving the victims on behalf of the Borno State government, Director Social Welfare in the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aisha Shettima, lauded the Nigerian military for rescuing the captives.
He said the victims will be taken to the State’s rehabilitation centre where they will be provided with livelihoods support, mental and psychosocial support among others.