Nigerian Military Rescues 386 Abductees from Sambisa Forest

In a significant operation, the Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 386 individuals, mostly women and children, from the clutches of Boko Haram insurgents in the notorious Sambisa forest in Borno State. The rescue mission took place during a 10-day clearing operation named “Operation Desert Sanity III.”

Brigadier General AGL Haruna, the acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, revealed that some of the abductees had been held captive by terrorists for up to 10 years before their liberation. Speaking to journalists in the Konduga Local Government Area, he emphasized that the primary objective of the operation was to eradicate the remnants of all categories of terrorists in Sambisa forest and provide those willing to surrender an opportunity to do so.

“Our effort is to ensure that we clear the remnants of terrorists in the Sambisa forest and give those willing to surrender the opportunity to surrender,” stated Haruna. “With this operation, we envisage many of them will surrender as they have started. We also rescued some civilians; as of yesterday, we rescued 386, and I am sure the number will increase by today.”

The GOC commended the troops from the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, 26 Task Force Brigade, and 199 Special Forces for their exceptional performance and professionalism during the operation. He urged them to maintain the same level of dedication and commitment in future missions.

Some of the rescued individuals, who spoke about their ordeal, revealed that they had been held captive for a decade. The successful rescue operation brings hope and relief to these victims, who can now begin the process of rebuilding their lives.