Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 383 women and children who had been held captive by terrorists and insurgents in Sambisa Forest, Borno State. This operation marks a significant milestone as many of the rescued individuals had been held in captivity for up to 10 years.
Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna, the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, announced the rescue during a visit to the frontline troops in Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State. He commended the troops for dislodging Boko Haram insurgents from the forest and clearing various insurgent enclaves, including Lawanti, Ukuba, Farisu, Sabil Huda, Njimia, Garin Gulukos, Garin Falluja, Shababul Ummah, Garin Pannel Bitter, and Lagara Anguwan Gwai Gwai.
Haruna praised the Special Forces Troops of the 21 Armoured Brigade at Bama, the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), and the Hybrid Forces for their exceptional performance. He emphasized the need to maintain the momentum and declared a 10-day operation, tagged "Operation Desert Sanity III," to continue clearing remnants of terrorists in the forest. The GOC expressed optimism that more insurgents would surrender in the coming days.
“I want to commend you for your exceptional performance and professionalism exhibited during the operation and I urge you to sustain the tempo. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is highly pleased with your performance,” Haruna said.
The GOC also acknowledged the support of General Lagbaja and the strategic guidance of the Theatre Commander of the Northeast Operation Hadin Kai’s Joint Task Force, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, which contributed to the successes recorded by the troops.
