In a significant victory against insurgency, the Nigerian Army has rescued 75 civilian captives from key Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclaves within the notorious Sambisa Forest in Borno State. The rescued individuals, comprising 7 adult males, 34 women, and 34 children, were handed over to authorities on Monday at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri.
The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, disclosed this during the handover ceremony, highlighting the success of recent military operations in degrading the capabilities of terrorist groups. Represented by the Deputy Theatre Commander, Brig. Gen. Anthony Okpodu, Maj. Gen. Shuaibu explained that the rescue operation was part of ongoing efforts under Operation Desert Sanity IV, conducted by troops from the 21 Special Armoured Brigade and 199 Special Forces Battalion.
“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,” Maj. Gen. Shuaibu stated. He added that the operation significantly degraded enemy capabilities by neutralizing insurgents, destroying command and logistics bases, makeshift shelters, weapon caches, and improvised explosive device (IED)-making materials, thereby disrupting their life-supporting structures.
The handover ceremony underscored the collaborative efforts of Operation Hadin Kai, the Borno State government, and other stakeholders in stabilizing the North-East and ensuring the safety and well-being of civilians affected by the insurgency. Brig. Gen. Okpodu emphasized that OPHK remains committed to its primary mandate of restoring normalcy in the region to enable socio-economic activities to thrive.
“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,” he said. Beyond security operations, OPHK is also engaged in humanitarian efforts, including the provision of medical care, food, and psychological support to rescued captives.
Maj. Gen. Shuaibu noted that the rescued individuals received immediate medical attention, clothing, food, and temporary shelter pending reintegration efforts. He also highlighted OPHK’s alignment with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Reaching Inaccessible Children (RIC) Initiative, which includes child vaccinations and other critical interventions.
“During the recent operations, troops provided critical interventions, including child vaccinations, first aid, medical care, and the distribution of food and relief materials,” he said. The Theatre Commander reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to eliminating insurgency threats, securing liberated areas, and creating an enabling environment for governance and socio-economic development.
He urged the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security forces, and report any suspicious activities to enhance collective security efforts. “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 added.
Receiving the rescued 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, commended the Nigerian military for its efforts. She stated that the victims would be taken to the state’s rehabilitation center, where they would receive livelihood support, mental and psychosocial care, and other necessary assistance to facilitate their reintegration into society.
The rescue operation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North-East. It demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting civilians and dismantling terrorist networks, while also addressing the humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict. As the region continues to recover from years of violence, such efforts are crucial in restoring peace, stability, and hope for the future.
