The Nigerian military has handed over 75 rescued individuals, including women and children, to the Borno State Government following clearance operations in Sambisa Forest.
The handover ceremony took place on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai, Mai Malari Cantonment, Maiduguri. Brigadier General A.L. Okpodu, representing the Theatre Commander, Major General Waidi Shuib, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace in the Northeast.
According to General Okpodu, troops of the 21 Special Armored Brigade and 199 Special Forces Battalion launched decisive offensives under Operation Desert Sanity 4, targeting Boko Haram strongholds in Ukuba, Sabiouba, Garin Fallujah, and Gubara. The operation resulted in the rescue of seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children, as well as the neutralization of insurgents and destruction of terrorist camps, weapons stockpiles, and bomb-making facilities.
Beyond security efforts, the military has provided medical care, vaccinations, food, clothing, and psychological support to the rescued civilians, aligning with the World Health Organization’s Reaching the Inaccessible Children* initiative. The individuals will undergo further reintegration under the supervision of the Borno State Government.
Brigadier General Okpodu commended the Borno State Government, particularly Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, for their commitment to rehabilitation. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security forces.
“This handover marks another milestone in our mission to restore lasting peace and stability in the Northeast. Operation Hadin Kai remains resolute in eliminating insurgent threats, securing liberated areas, and ensuring a safe environment for governance and economic growth,” he stated.
Brigadier General Adebayo Adekola, Chief of Intelligence for Operation Hadin Kai, emphasized that the rescue was based on effective intelligence gathering. He called on communities to support the reintegration of those rescued, urging against stigmatization.
“These individuals have endured captivity for years. Now that they are free, we must welcome them as fellow citizens. Stigmatization or discrimination must be avoided,” he urged.
He also reiterated the military’s progress in restoring peace, encouraging those still in the bush to surrender, assuring them of fair treatment.
Similarly, Commodore Ahmed Muhammed Abdullahi, Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to security and humanitarian support, praising the Borno Model reintegration initiative, which provides rescued individuals with psychological, educational, and vocational support.
Receiving the rescued individuals on behalf of the Borno State Government, Aisha Shettima, Director of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Women Affairs, who represented Commissioner Zuwaira Gambo, commended the military’s efforts.
She assured that the state government would provide counseling, livelihood programs, and education for children to ensure their smooth reintegration.
“We will also conduct family tracing and verification to reunite children with their families after they have received necessary support at the Interim Care Center,” she stated.
She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to peacebuilding, emphasizing that non-kinetic approaches have played a crucial role in the fight against insurgency.
The ceremony ended with remarks from senior military officials, reaffirming their commitment to security, stability, and community reintegration efforts
COV/BBW