THE Nigerian Army has handed 350 persons rescued from Sambisa Forest to the Borno Government for rehabilitation and reintegration.
Speaking at the handing over on Monday, May 20, in Maiduguri, Deputy Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force in the Northeast, code-named Operation Hadin Kai, Maj-Gen. Kenneth Chigbu, said the victims were rescued during the 10-day clearance operation in the forest.
Chigbu stated: “The people we are handing over today, totalling 350, comprise 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.”
According to him, apart from feeding, the Army had carried out medical evaluation on them and was in the process of providing them with decent clothing, reiterating the commitment of the military to its mandate of ensuring that normalcy and peace returned to the northeast.
He commended the Borno Government, International Committee for the Red Cross and other international and local organisations for their support and cooperation.
Receiving the victims on behalf of the state government, Director of Social Welfare in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Asabe Mohammed, assured that 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,” she said.
