Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Destroy Terrorist Hideouts in Katsina Forest Offensive


By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

Nigerian Army troops have rescued a kidnapped victim and dismantled several terrorist camps during an ongoing military offensive in Katsina State, as security forces intensify efforts to combat insecurity across the North-West region.
The operation, conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP, involved troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force, supported by elements of the 8 Division Special Forces. The military said the offensive forms part of sustained, intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting criminal networks and restoring security in affected communities.

On the fourth day of the operation, troops carried out a coordinated clearance mission targeting terrorist strongholds in and around Tuga, located in Matazu Local Government Area of the state. The operation was supported by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets as well as precision air strikes provided by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
During the mission, security forces recovered a large number of rustled livestock believed to have been stolen by terrorists. The recovered animals included 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys. Military authorities described the recovery as a significant blow to the economic activities of the criminal groups, which rely heavily on cattle rustling and related illegal enterprises.

Troops subsequently advanced into the notorious Fafu Forest as part of a strategy designed to deny terrorists safe havens. Following coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments of identified targets, ground forces moved into the area, destroying several camps and concealed hideouts used by the terrorists.

During exploitation operations within the forest, troops discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist leader where kidnapped victims were reportedly being held. Two bodies were recovered at the location, while one victim, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was found in chains and successfully rescued.

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

Military authorities said subsequent assessments confirmed the destruction of terrorist logistics infrastructure and revealed evidence of casualties among the criminal elements, indicating a significant degradation of their operational capability.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting 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 military, collaboration between security forces and local communities remains critical to addressing security challenges and restoring lasting peace and stability across the region.

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