Troops under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully rescued 75 civilians from the notorious Sambisa Forest in Borno State. The operation, carried out by the 21 Special Armored Brigade and the 199 Special Forces Battalion as part of Operation Desert Sanity IV, resulted in the safe recovery of seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children.
Speaking during the victims’ handover to the Borno State government in Maiduguri on Monday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Major General W. Shaibu, explained that the clearance operation targeted key terrorist enclaves in areas such as Ukuba, Ujimla, Sabil Huda, Garin, Fajula, and Gobara.
The military not only rescued the civilians but also destroyed numerous insurgent facilities, including command and logistics bases, makeshift shelters, weapon caches, and IED-making materials, thereby significantly degrading enemy capabilities.
The rescued individuals have received both medical and psychological support and are set to be transferred to the state’s rehabilitation center. Zuwaira Gambo, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, who received the victims on behalf of the state, commended the troops for their gallantry. She assured that the rehabilitated civilians would receive comprehensive support—including livelihood assistance, counseling, and educational services for the children—before being reintegrated into society.
