Troops rescue 200 girls, 93 women from Sambisa forest

By The Citizen

No fewer than 200 girls and 93 women were rescued from the much-talked about Sambisa forest by Nigerian troops on Tuesday afternoon.

Information made available by the Defence Headquarters said the rescue was made possible after troops captured and destroyed three of the terrorists' camps in the forest.

Sambisa forest is the only known territory still being controlled by the Boko Haram terrorists until the military stepped in about two weeks ago.

Commenting of the rescue, Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, said he could not confirm the identity of the freed victims and their origins.

He also said he could not state if any of them was from Chibok until after thorough screening and proper investigations.

He said: 'I can only confirm the rescue this afternoon of 200 girls and 93 women in different camps in the forest. We are yet to determine their origin as all the freed persons are now being screened and profiled. Please, don't misquote me on their origin. We will provide more details later.'