Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force, North East — “Operation Hadin Kai”, has handed over 277 women and children rescued by troops to the Borno Government.
Represented at the Thursday occasion by the Deputy Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. K. E Chigbu, Shuaibu said the rescued persons comprised 128 women and 149 children.
He said the women and children were rescued by troops in Bama, Dikwa and Monguno axis in the ongoing Operation Lake Sanity 2 and Operation Desert Sanity 3.
He added that “what you are witnessing here today is the display of professionalism to ensure that the joint task force is committed to best practices.
“Today, we are here to hand over a total of 277 women and children. These are people we found out there obviously against their will.
“On their arrival at the barracks, they were subjected to preliminary medical checks to ascertain their wellbeing, they have been fed and clothed.”
He lauded the Borno Government and stakeholders, particularly international and local Non-Governmental Organisations for their support in rehabilitating and reintegration the rescued persons.
Hajiya Aishatu Shettima, the Director, Welfare in the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs, received the women and children on behalf of the Borno Government.
She thanked the military for its commitment and professionalism in the fight against insurgents.
Shettima said the women would be taken to government facilities for further medical checks, mental health and psychosocial support, among other things necessary for their reintegration into the society.