Operation HADIN KAI, the Headquarters Theatre Command has handed over 350 rescued civilians to the Borno State Government on May 20, 2024, at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri.
The civilians, including 6 adult males, 135 females, and 209 children, were liberated during clearance and offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops in the challenging terrain of the Sambisa forest.
Deputy Theatre Commander Major General Kenneth Chigbu, representing the Theatre Commander, lauded the troops’ professionalism and acknowledged the crucial support of international and local partners, as well as the Borno State Government, in enabling successful military operations.
He said the milestone marks another significant achievement for the Joint Task Force NE OPHK, led by Theatre Commander Major General Waidi Shaibu.
Upon receiving the rescued civilians, Hajjiya Y’arbauchi, Director of Social Welfare, Ministry of Women Affairs, Borno State, expressed gratitude to the military for their coordinated efforts.
She announced plans to provide the rescued individuals with necessary support, including profiling, medical checks, and skill acquisition training, before reuniting them with their families at Internally Displaced Persons Camps.
The 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 officers from Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division, as well as members of the Borno State Government.
