By Busari Kabirat
No fewer than 350 persons were rescued in the Sambisa forest by the military operatives and has been handed over to the Borno Government for rehabilitation.
Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Chigbu, the Deputy Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, while speaking in Maiduguri on Monday at the handing over said, they were rescued during the 10-day clearance operation in Sambisa.
He said: “The people we are handing over today totalling 350 comprised six adult males, 134 females and 209 children found in Sambisa forest.
“This effort is a demonstration of professionalism exhibited by the joint task force.
“What you are seeing are people kept in the forest obviously against their wish.”
He further stated that apart from feeding provided for the people, the army had already carried out medical evaluation on them and is in the process of providing them with decent clothing, he also said that the commitment of the military mandate is to ensure that normalcy and peace returned to the north east.
He also commended the Borno State Government, for its cooperation and support, likewise the International Committee for Red Cross and other international and local organisations.
Mrs Asabe Mohammed, the Director, Social Welfare in the Ministry of Women Affairs, while receiving the rescued people on behalf of Borno Government, said they would be taken to a rehabilitation centre.
“They would be documented, provided with mental health and psychosocial support, and trained in skills of their choice.
“We have about 10 different skills acquisition training for them to make their respective choices.
“They will be provided with tools at the end before linking them with their communities and families for reintegration.”
