By:Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
The Nigerian military has handed over 75 rescued individuals, including women and children, to the Borno State Government following successful clearance operations in Sambisa Forest.
The handover ceremony took place on Monday (10th March 2025) at the Headquarters of Northeast, Operation Hadin Kai, Mai Malari Cantonment, Maiduguri, where 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, the 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 led to the rescue of seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children, the neutralization of insurgents, and the destruction of terrorist camps, weapons caches, and bomb-making facilities.
Beyond security operations, the military is actively engaged in humanitarian efforts. In line with the World Health Organization’s Reaching the Inaccessible Children initiative, troops have provided medical care, vaccinations, food, clothing, and psychological support to the rescued civilians. The individuals will undergo further reintegration under the supervision of the Borno State Government.
Brigadier General Okpodu commended the state government, particularly Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for their commitment to rehabilitating rescued civilians. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report 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.
Call for Support and Non-Stigmatization
Speaking on intelligence efforts, the Chief of Intelligence for Operation Hadin Kai, Brigadier General Adebayo Adekola, emphasized that the rescue was a result of effective intelligence gathering. He urged citizens to support the reintegration of the rescued individuals, stressing that they should not face stigma upon returning to their communities.
“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.
General Adebayo further highlighted the military’s progress in restoring peace and called on 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 dedication to both security and humanitarian efforts. He praised the Borno State Government’s Borno Model reintegration initiative, which provides rescued women and children with psychological, educational, and vocational support.
Borno State Government Assures Full Support
Receiving the rescued captives on behalf of the Borno State Government, the Director of Social Welfare, Ministry of Women Affairs, Aisha Shetima represents commsionner fir Women Affairs Zuwaira Gambo, commended the military’s efforts.
She assured that the state government would provide comprehensive care, including 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 reiterated the state’s commitment to peacebuilding, emphasizing that non-kinetic strategies have played a crucial role in ending the insurgency.
The handover ceremony concluded with remarks from senior military officials, reaffirming their commitment to restoring stability and ensuring the safety of liberated communities.
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