Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnap victim found in chains inside the notorious Fafu Forest and dismantled terrorist hideouts during ongoing clearance operations in Katsina State.
The Army disclosed this in a statement on Friday, June 19, 2026.
According to the statement, troops participating in Operation CLEAN SWEEP intensified offensive operations across Katsina State, with personnel from the 17 Brigade Strike Group, Quick Response Force, and elements of the 8 Division Special Forces clearing terrorist strongholds around Tuga in Matazu Local Government Area.
Backed by intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as precision air strikes by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the troops cleared several settlements and recovered 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys believed to have been rustled by terrorists.
The Army said the recovery dealt a significant blow to the economic lifeline of the criminal groups, whose activities are largely sustained through cattle rustling and other illicit enterprises.
The troops later advanced into the notorious Fafu Forest under the Army’s “Relentless Incursion” strategy aimed at denying terrorists safe havens.
Following coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments on identified targets, the troops stormed the area, destroying several terrorist camps and concealed logistics bases hidden within the difficult terrain.
During the operation, they discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist leader where kidnapped victims were being held under harsh conditions.
Two bodies were recovered at the scene, while one kidnap victim, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was found in chains and successfully rescued.
He was given first aid before being evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further medical treatment.
The Army said further assessments confirmed the success of the operation, with terrorist logistics structures destroyed and clear evidence of enemy casualties observed within the targeted locations, significantly degrading the group’s operational capability.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army during Operation CLEAN SWEEP have intensified offensive actions in Katsina State, delivering decisive blows against terrorist elements through sustained, intelligence-driven operations,” the statement read.
“These efforts, executed by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force alongside elements of the 8 Division Special Forces, underscore the Army’s resolve to dismantle criminal enclaves, disrupt terrorist supply networks and restore safety across affected communities in the North-West.
“On the fourth day of the operation, troops carried out a well-coordinated clearance mission targeting terrorist strongholds in and around Tuga, within Matazu Local Government Area.
“Leveraging real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance support, complemented by precision strikes from the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops successfully cleared several settlements.
“During the operation, troops recovered a large number of rustled livestock believed to have been stolen by terrorists, including 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys.
“This recovery represents a major disruption to the economic lifelines of the criminal groups, whose activities are largely sustained through cattle rustling and related illicit enterprises.
“Sustaining the operational momentum, troops advanced further into the notorious Fafu Forest, applying the Relentless Incursion strategy aimed at denying terrorists safe havens.
“Following coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments on identified targets, troops converged on the objective area, engaging and destroying several terrorist camps and concealed hideouts embedded within the difficult terrain.
“In the course of exploitation, the troops uncovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist leader, where kidnapped victims were being held under harsh conditions.
“Two lifeless bodies were recovered at the site, while one victim, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was found in chains and successfully rescued.
“He was immediately given first aid before being evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for advanced medical care.
“Further assessments confirmed the effectiveness of the operation, with terrorist logistics structures destroyed and clear signs of enemy casualties observed within the targeted locations, indicating a significant degradation of their operational capability.
“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its mission to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.
“We call on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.
“Recall that the fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility. Together, we shall address all threats to peace and stability.”
