Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims, Intensify Operation Against

Troops of the Army under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III have rescued four kidnapped victims during a major offensive operation targeting notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and his criminal network in Katsina State.

Key Highlights:

• Army troops rescued four kidnap victims in Katsina State.
• The operation targeted bandit leader Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani.
• Terrorists fled after a military assault on their hideout.
• Rescued victims received medical treatment.
• Troops are still hunting the suspects.

According to a statement released in its official X handle, the operation, carried out on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, involved troops from the 17 Brigade Strike Group/Quick Response Force, supported by personnel from 8 Division Special Forces, who launched an attack on suspected terrorists’ hideouts in Fafu Village, along the Matazu-Musawa axis.

Before the ground operation, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted intelligence and surveillance missions, helping troops identify and dominate the criminal enclave.

During the encounter, troops engaged the terrorists with heavy firepower, forcing them to retreat and abandon their camp along with the kidnapped victims.

A search of the abandoned hideout led to the rescue of four abducted persons, who were immediately evacuated to the Forward Operating Base in Matazu.

The rescued victims were received by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General BP Koughna, who assured them of their safety and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace in the region.

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Some of the victims, who sustained gunshot injuries allegedly inflicted by their abductors during captivity, were given initial medical attention before being transferred to the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina for further treatment.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were kidnapped on April 14, 2026, from Sabon Sara along the Matazu-Karaduwa Road and had been held alongside the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd) and his wife.

The Army said troops remain on the trail of Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other criminal elements, vowing to sustain operations until those responsible for attacks on civilians are arrested or neutralised.