The Nigeria Army said on Wednesday that it had rescued over 600 people (men, women and children) during its operation in the Sambisa forest – the last remaining camp of Boko Haram insurgents in the country.
Nigerian army rescues over 600 Boko Haram victims
In the space of one week, that is between December 7 and December 14, 2016 the army disclosed that it had rescued 69 male adults, 180 females, 227 male children and 129 female children in operations.
According to Maj.-Gen. Leo Irabor, Theatre Commander of the military operation aimed at flushing out Boko Haram, troops on operation rescue final have continue to record remarkable progress in the fight against terrorists in Sambisa forest.
“The victims are in our custody for further investigation and interrogation. On the operation, our troops are determined to wipe out the terrorists from their hideout. I can tell you that the counter terrorism operation is already yielding positive results,” he said.
The military chief was briefing the press at the headquarters of the 7 Division of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri. President Buhari on assumption of office moved the military command to Maiduguri which is home to the Boko Haram insurgency.
The army has also taken the fight to Boko Haram since Buhari took charge. The Army says the insurgents are now restricted to the Sambisa forest with their only threats being the use of suicide bombers usually young girls to attack soft targets.