- He disclosed the development while speaking to newsmen at the outskirts of Sambisa forest in Konduga LGA
In Borno State, at least 386 people, who were abducted over ten years ago by terrorists, have regained their freedom.
The victims were rescued in Sambisa forest by the Nigerian Army.
The acting GOC 7 Division, Brig. Gen. AGL Haruna, who made the disclosure, said the victims are mostly women and children.
He disclosed the development while speaking to newsmen at the outskirts of Sambisa forest in Konduga LGA after welcoming the troops that conducted the 10-day operation.
Haruna said that the operation tagged “Operation Desert Sanity 111” was to clear Sambisa forest of the remnants of all categories of terrorists, as well as provide some of them, eager to surrender as observed, the opportunity to do so.
He stated that the number of rescued persons is likely to go up.
“Our effort is to ensure that we clear remnants of terrorists in the Sambisa and give those willing to surrender the opportunity to surrender.
“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,” Haruna said.
The GOC, who addressed the troops on the message of the Chief of Army Staff, lauded their performance and professionalism exhibited during the operation and urged them to sustain the tempo.
Some of those rescued, who spoke, said they have been in captivity for the past 10 years.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that troops from 21 Special Armoured Brigade, 26 Task Force Brigade, and 199 Special Forces participated in the operation