The Nigerian Army has announced the liberation of 386 people, mostly women and children, who have been in the captivity of terror groups in the Sambisa Forest since a decade ago.
This news follows a successful 10-day military operation dubbed “Operation Desert Sanity III” in the forest. During the operation, Nigerian troops eliminated 21 terrorists as they sacked many outlaws from their hideouts and razed the shelters.
Brigadier General AGL Haruna, acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7th Division, addressed troops returning from the mission. He confirmed the rescue of 386 captives and hinted at the possibility of finding more.
General Haruna praised the soldiers’ feat and urged them to press on. The operation also aimed to encourage Boko Haram fighters seeking to surrender, with Brig. Gen. Haruna revealing that some had already done so.
The Sambisa Forest has been a notorious hideout for Boko Haram and other insurgent groups. It gained worldwide infamy in 2014 following the kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls. The identities of the rescued victims were not made public.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
