FAFU FOREST: Nigerian Army Rescues Kidnap Victim, Destroys…

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation CLEAN SWEEP have intensified offensive operations in Katsina State, recording major successes against terrorist groups through sustained intelligence-driven missions. The troops, drawn from the 17 Brigade Strike Group, Quick Response Force, and elements of the 8 Division Special Forces, carried out coordinated operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting criminal networks, and restoring security across communities in the North-West.

Key Highlights
Nigerian Army troops intensified operations under Operation CLEAN SWEEP in Katsina State.
Several terrorist camps and hideouts were destroyed in FAFU FOREST.
Troops recovered 36 cattle, 280 sheep, and two donkeys suspected to have been rustled by terrorists.
A kidnapped victim, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was rescued from captivity.
Two bodies were recovered from a terrorist hideout during the operation.
Air strikes and intelligence surveillance supported the successful clearance mission.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating terrorist strongholds across the North-West.

On the fourth day of the operation, troops launched a coordinated clearance mission targeting terrorist strongholds around Tuga in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. Acting on credible intelligence and supported by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, as well as precision strikes from the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the troops successfully cleared several settlements occupied by terrorists.

During the operation, security forces recovered a large number of rustled livestock believed to have been stolen by criminal elements. The recovered animals included 36 cattle, 280 sheep, and two donkeys.

Military authorities noted that the recovery significantly disrupted the economic lifelines of the terrorist groups, whose activities are largely sustained through cattle rustling and other illicit enterprises.

Maintaining the momentum of the offensive, troops advanced deeper into the notorious FAFU FOREST, implementing the Army’s “Relentless Incursion” strategy designed to deny terrorists safe havens and freedom of movement.

Following coordinated aerial bombardments and artillery strikes on identified targets, ground troops moved into the objective area, engaging and destroying several terrorist camps and concealed hideouts located within difficult forest terrain.

During exploitation of the area, troops uncovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist leader where kidnapped victims were reportedly being held under inhumane conditions.

Two lifeless bodies were recovered at the location, while one captive, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was found in chains and successfully rescued.

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The victim received immediate first aid before being evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further medical treatment.

Military assessments conducted after the operation confirmed extensive damage to terrorist logistics structures, while evidence of enemy casualties was observed across the targeted locations, indicating a significant degradation of the group’s operational capabilities.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

According to the Army, collective support from citizens remains essential in addressing security challenges and sustaining peace and stability across affected communities.