In a significant military operation, the Army has freed 386 hostages, primarily women and children, from the Sambisa forest, a decade after their abduction.
Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna, the acting GOC of the 7th Division, disclosed this during a press briefing at the outskirts of Sambisa forest in Konduga LGA. The announcement came as troops returned from the 10-day mission.
General Haruna explained that the mission, named “Operation Desert Sanity 111,” aimed to eliminate the remaining terrorists in Sambisa forest and offer a chance for those willing to surrender to do so. “Our goal is to clear the forest of any remaining terrorists and provide an opportunity for those who wish to surrender,” he stated.
The operation saw the participation of soldiers from the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, 26 Task Force Brigade, and 199 Special Forces. These combined forces successfully rescued 386 civilians, a number expected to rise as the operation progresses.
Addressing the troops, Haruna conveyed a message from the Chief of Army Staff, commending their exemplary performance and urging them to maintain their efforts.
Some of the rescued individuals recounted their harrowing experiences, revealing that they had been held captive for ten years. Their release marks a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to secure the region.
The military anticipates more terrorists will surrender in the wake of this operation, contributing to the stabilization and safety of the area.
