A cross section of the rescued civilians
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Wahidi Shaibu, has handed over 75 rescued civilians to the Borno State Government.
The rescued individuals, consisting of 7 adult males, 34 adult women, and 34 children, were freed during clearance operations against Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa Forest ¹.
This marks the third batch of rescued civilians conscripted by the insurgents. The handover ceremony took place on Monday evening at the 7 Division Nigerian Army Sports Center in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Represented by the Deputy Theater Commander, Brigadier General Anthony Okpodu, he said the rescue and operations showcased the ongoing efforts to stabilise the region and restore normalcy while reiterating the military’s commitment to end insurgency and ensure civilians safety.
“This handover ceremony highlights the collective efforts of Operation Hadin Kai, the Borno State Government, and key stakeholders in stabilising the North East.
“The rescued individuals were recovered during Operation Desert Sanity 4, which successfully cleared key terrorist strongholds in Ukuba, Ijimia, Sabi Huber, Gary, Faluja, and Gubara in the Sambisa Forest.
“Our troops from the 21 Special Armoured Brigade and 199 Special Forces Battalion conducted successful offensive operations, leading to the rescue of these civilians,” Shaibu said.
He explained further that the operation significantly degraded enemy capabilities by “neutralising insurgents, destroying command and logistics bases, makeshift shelters, weapon caches, and IED-making materials.”
“Beyond security operations, Operation Hadin Kai is also committed to humanitarian efforts, aligning with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Reaching Inaccessible Children (RIC) Initiative.
“During recent operations, troops provided critical interventions, including child vaccinations, first aid, medical care, and the distribution of food and relief materials.
“The rescued civilians received immediate medical attention, clothing, food, psychological support, and temporary shelter.
“Close collaboration with the Borno State Government and humanitarian agencies has been crucial in ensuring rescued individuals receive the care and support they need,” Wahidi said.
The Theater Commander also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for their support and collaborative efforts.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces to end the fight while appreciating the media for it’s prompt and objective reportage of military activities in the theater command.
The State Commissioner of Women Affairs end Social Development, Hajiya Hon. Zuwaira Gambo appreciated the military’s commitment in protecting Borno people and rescue of the civilians.
Hin. Gambo, who was represented by the Director, Social Welfare of the ministry, Hajiya Aisha Shettima, assured that the ministry would profile them, provide medical and psychosocial services to them .
She added that under the Borno Model , the state government would also conduct educational training for the children to enable them continue with their education during the deradicalization processes including rehabilitation before reintegrating them with their families and relations in the community.
