Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Destroy Terrorist Camps in Katsina

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnap victim and dismantled several terrorist hideouts during ongoing clearance operations in Katsina State under Operation CLEAN SWEEP.

The Army disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle, on Friday, June 19, saying the operation was carried out by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force in collaboration with elements of the 8 Division Special Forces.

According to the statement, the troops intensified offensive operations against terrorist enclaves in parts of the state, targeting criminal networks through intelligence-led missions supported by aerial surveillance and precision strikes from the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

On the fourth day of the operation, soldiers launched a coordinated assault on terrorist strongholds in and around Tuga community in Matazu Local Government Area, clearing several settlements identified as hideouts for armed groups.

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

The Army said the recovery dealt a significant blow to the economic base of the criminal groups, whose activities are largely sustained through cattle rustling and other illicit ventures.

Troops subsequently advanced into the notorious Fafu Forest as part of a sustained offensive aimed at denying terrorists safe havens across the state.

Following coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments of identified targets, ground forces moved into the forest and destroyed several camps and concealed hideouts used by the terrorists.

During exploitation of the area, troops discovered a location linked to a notorious terrorist commander where kidnapped victims were reportedly being held.

The Army said two bodies were recovered from the hideout, while one captive identified as Nura Yar’Adua was found in chains and rescued.

The victim was administered first aid before being evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further medical attention.

The statement added that assessments conducted after the operation revealed extensive damage to terrorist logistics structures, while signs of enemy casualties were observed across the targeted locations.

The Army said the development indicated a significant degradation of the operational capability of the terrorist groups operating in the area.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.