Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 383 women and children who were abducted by terrorists and insurgents in the Sambisa Forest, Borno State. Some of the captives had been held for as long as 10 years.
The acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna, announced the rescue operation during a visit to frontline troops on the outskirts of Sambisa Forest in Konduga Local Government Area.
Brig.-Gen. Haruna commended the troops for their efforts in dislodging Boko Haram insurgents from the forest, successfully clearing their enclaves in several areas including Lawanti, Ukuba, Farisu, Sabil Huda, Njimia, Garin Gulukos, Garin Falluja, Shababul Ummah, Garin Pannel Bitter, and Lagara Anguwan Gwai Gwai.
The rescue was part of “Operation Hadin Kai’s Joint Task Force (JTF),” which includes the Special Forces Troops of the 21 Armoured Brigade at Bama, the Civilian JTF, and the Hybrid Forces. Haruna praised these forces for their exceptional performance and professionalism.
A 10-day military exercise, tagged “Operation Desert Sanity III,” has been declared to sustain the offensive against remaining insurgents in the forest. Brig.-Gen. Haruna expressed confidence that more insurgents would surrender in the coming days, citing the operation’s success.
Brig.-Gen. Haruna also conveyed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja’s satisfaction with the troops’ performance. He extended gratitude to the Theatre Commander of the Northeast Operation Hadin Kai’s Joint Task Force, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, for his strategic guidance and supervision.
Sambisa Forest has long been a stronghold for Boko Haram, a terrorist organization notorious for abductions and violence in the region. The successful rescue operation highlights the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the Northeast.
