Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnapped victim found in chains and dismantled several terrorist camps during an ongoing offensive operation in Katsina State.
The operation, codenamed Operation CLEAN SWEEP, is being conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force in collaboration with elements of the 8 Division Special Forces as part of intensified efforts to flush out terrorists and criminal elements from the North-West.
According to the Army, troops on the fourth day of the operation launched a coordinated clearance mission targeting terrorist enclaves around Tuga in Matazu Local Government Area, supported by real-time intelligence, surveillance assets and precision strikes from the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The operation led to the recovery of 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys believed to have been rustled by terrorists, dealing a significant blow to the criminal networks that rely on livestock theft and related illicit activities for sustenance.
Troops subsequently advanced into the notorious Fafu Forest under a strategy described as “Relentless Incursion,” aimed at denying terrorists safe havens. Following coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments, ground forces moved into the objective area, destroying several camps and concealed hideouts located within the forest.
During exploitation of the area, troops discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist leader where kidnapped victims were allegedly being held in harsh conditions. Two lifeless bodies were recovered at the scene, while one captive, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was found in chains and successfully rescued.
The Army said the victim received immediate first aid before being evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further medical attention.
It added that assessments conducted after the operation indicated that terrorist logistics structures had been destroyed and evidence of enemy casualties observed, suggesting a significant degradation of the group’s operational capability.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and restoring peace in troubled communities, while urging citizens to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.
“The fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility, and together we shall address all threats to peace and stability,” the statement said.
