Army Rescues 75 Boko Haram Captives In Sambisa Forest

The Nigerian Army on Monday handed over 75 civilian captives rescued in key Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorist 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 seven 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 neutralising insurgents, destroying command and logistics bases, makeshift shelters, weapon caches, and IED-making materials, thereby disrupting their life-supporting structures,” he said.

He said the day’s handover ceremony highlights the collective efforts of OPHK, the Borno State government, and key stakeholders involved in stabilising the North East and ensuring the safety and well-being of civilians affected by insurgency.

He said OPHK remains committed to its primary mandate: facilitating the restoration of normalcy in the region to enable socio-economic activities to thrive. He added that the operations conducted by OPHK are focused on eliminating insurgent threats, protecting civilian populations, enabling governance structures, and ensuring the resume of economic and social activities without hindrance.

The Theatre Commander said that OPHK remains committed to humanitarian efforts beyond security operations, particularly those aligned 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 clothing), food, psychological support and temporary shelter pending reintegration efforts,“ he further said.

He said that 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, Hajiya Aisha Shettima, Director of Social Welfare in the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, lauded the Nigerian military for rescuing the captives.

He said the victims would be taken to the State‘s rehabilitation centre, where they will be provided with livelihood support and mental and psychosocial support, among others.