After spending 10 years in the captivity of Boko Haram, troops of the Nigerian Army has rescued over 380 hostages of the dreaded Islamic group.
Those rescued, according to the acting General Officer Commanding, GOC, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna include children and women.
Gen. Abubakar announced the rescue on Sunday yesterday while visiting the frontline troops in Sambisa Forest, Borno state.
He explained that the gallant troops have now liberated some parts of the forest formerly under the insurgents, adding that the soldiers are poised to “clearing the remnants of terrorists in the forest”.
The enclaves include Lawanti, Ukuba, Farisu, Sabil Huda, Njimia, Garin Gulukos, Garin Falluja, Shababul Ummah, Garin Pannel Bitter and Lagara Anguwan Gwai Gwai.
He said, “I want to commend you for your exceptional performance and professionalism exhibited during the operation and I urge you to sustain the tempo. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is highly pleased with your performance.
“You have done your best. You have sacrificed yourselves to ensure that peace and normalcy return to the Northeast. This is a wonderful outing and we are very happy.
“We have to stop whatever we are doing and come here to let you know that we are with you always. To know what you people are doing so that we can have a feeling of what you people are going through.”