By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Nigerian Army troops have recorded a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry in Katsina State, rescuing a kidnapped victim found in chains and dismantling several terrorist camps during a sweeping offensive deep inside the notorious Fafu Forest.
The operation, conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP, saw troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group, Quick Response Force, and elements of the 8 Division Special Forces intensify intelligence-driven assaults against criminal enclaves across parts of the state.
Military authorities said the offensive forms part of sustained efforts to destroy terrorist networks, cut off their sources of livelihood and restore lasting peace to communities affected by insecurity in 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. Supported by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets as well as precision air strikes by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the troops advanced into several identified hideouts and settlements used by the criminals.
The operation yielded significant results as security forces recovered a large number of livestock believed to have been stolen by terrorists during raids on rural communities. Recovered items included 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys.
Security sources described the recovery as a major setback for the criminal groups, whose activities are largely financed through cattle rustling, extortion and other illicit enterprises.
Determined to sustain the pressure, troops pushed deeper into the dreaded Fafu Forest, employing what military commanders described as a “Relentless Incursion” strategy designed to deny terrorists safe havens and freedom of movement.
Following coordinated aerial bombardments and artillery strikes on identified targets, ground forces stormed the objective areas, engaging and destroying several camps and concealed hideouts hidden within the forest’s difficult terrain.
A dramatic moment unfolded during the exploitation phase of the operation when troops discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist kingpin. The camp was reportedly being used to detain kidnapped victims under harsh conditions.
Two lifeless bodies were recovered from the location, while one captive, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was found shackled in chains.
The victim was immediately freed by the troops, given emergency medical attention and evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further treatment.
Military officials said the discovery highlighted the brutal conditions under which victims are held by terrorist groups operating within the region.
Further battle damage assessments confirmed extensive destruction of terrorist logistics facilities and support structures. Troops also observed clear indications of enemy casualties at multiple targeted locations, suggesting a significant degradation of the terrorists’ operational capabilities.
The latest success is being viewed as another major boost for ongoing military operations aimed at reclaiming forests and rural communities previously exploited by criminal elements.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Nigerian Army pledged to sustain the offensive until all terrorist hideouts are neutralised and affected communities are secured.
The Army also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, stressing that the fight against insecurity remains a collective responsibility.
With chains broken, camps destroyed and another victim returned to freedom, the operation marks yet another significant step in the effort to restore peace and stability across Katsina State and the wider North-West region.
Source:@HQNigerianArmy
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