Military hands over 350 people rescued from Sambisa forest to the Borno Govt for rehabilitation

Of the 350 people rescued from the forest, six are adult males, 134 are females, and 209 are children.

The military has handed over a total of 350 people rescued in the Sambisa forest to the Borno State Government for rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony which took place on Monday in Maiduguri, the Deputy Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Chigbu stayed that they were rescued during a 10-day clearance operation in Sambisa.

“The people we are handing over today totaling 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 said.

According to him, the army had carried out medical evaluations on them and was in the process of providing them with decent clothing, asides from feeding them.

He also stated that the army is committed to ensuring normalcy and peace return to the northeast area of Nigeria.

Chigbu also commended the support and cooperation of the Borno State Government, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other local and international organizations.

While receiving the rescued individuals on behalf of the Borno Government, the Director, Social Welfare in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Asabe Mohammed, said they would be taken to the 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,” she said.