Nigerian Military Rescues 75 Civilians, Reaffirms Commitment to Northeast Peace

The Nigerian military, under the Joint Task Force Northeast Operation Hadin Kai, has successfully rescued 75 civilians from insurgent captivity following a series of coordinated operations in the Sambisa Forest in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The rescued individuals, including seven adult males, 34 women, and 34 children, were officially handed over to the Borno State Government in a ceremony highlighting the ongoing efforts to stabilize the region and restore normalcy.

Speaking at the event, Brigadier General Anthony Okpodu, who represented the Theater Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General WB Shuaibu, reiterated the military’s commitment to ending insurgency and ensuring the safety of civilians.

He noted that the rescue was part of Operation Desert Sanity 4, which successfully cleared key terrorist strongholds in Ukuba, Ijimia, Sabi Huber, Gary, Faluja, and Gubara.

“The operation significantly degraded enemy capabilities by neutralizing insurgents, destroying command and logistics bases, makeshift shelters, weapon caches, and improvised explosive device (IED) materials. This has disrupted the terrorists’ support structures and further weakened their ability to operate.”

In addition to security efforts, the operation includes humanitarian interventions, aligning with the World Health Organization’s Reaching Inaccessible Children Initiative, as the rescued civilians received immediate medical care, food, clothing, psychological support, and temporary shelter as part of reintegration efforts. The military also provided child vaccinations, first aid, and relief materials to those in need.

Brigadier General Okpodu expressed gratitude to the Borno State Government, particularly Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for their support in caring for rescued civilians.

He reaffirmed that Operation Hadin Kai’s mission is to eliminate insurgent threats, protect liberated areas, and create an enabling environment for governance and economic development.

In his remarks on Intelligence-Led Operations, theatre intelligence co-ordinator A. Adekola, emphasized that the successful rescue was made possible through actionable intelligence gathered by military intelligence teams.

He noted that the security situation in the region has significantly improved compared to previous years, attributing the progress to enhanced intelligence efforts and decisive military action.

“It is important to mention that these rescued individuals have undergone thorough profiling to ensure that no adversary is mistakenly handed over to the government. These are innocent civilians—our fellow citizens—who unfortunately found themselves in captivity. We must welcome them as our own and reject any form of stigma or discrimination,” Adekola urged.

He called on the remaining insurgents to surrender and embrace peace, stressing that the ultimate goal is to achieve total stability in Borno State and the Northeast.

Representing the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Aishatu Shettima, the Director of Social Welfare, commended the military for its dedication to rescuing women and children from captivity.

“On behalf of the Honourable Commissioner and the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, I would like to appreciate the effort of the military in rescuing these women and children. I also pray that Almighty Allah grants them the courage to continue their good work in Borno State,” she said.

She also acknowledged the State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for implementing non-kinetic approaches, which have played a significant role in reducing insurgency and facilitating peace efforts.

Shettima further detailed the next steps for the rescued civilians, stating that they would be taken to an interim care center, where they would receive essential services.

She reassured stakeholders of the government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being and reintegration of the rescued individuals.