In a significant milestone achieved by the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Headquarters of the Theatre Command on May 20, 2024, handed over 350 rescued civilians to the Borno State Government at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, the State capital.
A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Reuben Kovangiya said the civilians, comprising 6 adult males, 135 females, and 209 children, were rescued during a clearance and offensive operations by troops of OPHK in Sambisa forest
In his remarks, the Deputy Theatre Commander, Major General Kenneth Chigbu, who represented the Theatre Commander, praised the troops for their professionalism and appreciated international and local partners, as well as the Borno State Government, for their supports to military operations in the North East region. He noted that the event marked another significant milestone recorded by the JTF NE OPHK under the leadership of the Theatre Commander, Major General Waidi Shaibu.
Receiving the rescued persons, Hajjiya Y’arbauchi, the Director of Social Welfare in the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs, thanked the military for their coordinated efforts and announced that the rescued persons would be taken to Internally Displaced Persons Camp for profiling, medical checks, and skill acquisition training before reuniting them with their families.
The statement adds that this rescue adds to the 44 persons recently handed over to the Borno State Government by OPHK, demonstrating the military’s commitment to protecting civilians and defeating terrorism in the region.
The event was attended by senior military officers from Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division, as well as top officials of the Borno State Government.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
