By Odita Sunday
Troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified offensive operations against terrorist elements in Katsina State, rescuing a kidnap victim held in chains and dismantling several terrorist camps during ongoing Operation CLEAN SWEEP.
According to military authorities, the operation was carried out by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and the Quick Response Force, in collaboration with elements of the 8 Division Special Forces, as part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal enclaves and restore security across communities in the North-West.
The Army disclosed that on the fourth day of the operation, troops conducted a coordinated clearance mission targeting terrorist strongholds in and around Tuga community in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation, supported by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets and precision air strikes from the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, led to the successful clearance of several settlements believed to have been used by terrorists.
During the operation, troops recovered a large number of rustled livestock suspected to have been stolen by the criminals. The recovered animals included 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys.
Military authorities said the recovery dealt a significant blow to the economic base of the terrorist groups, whose activities are largely sustained through cattle rustling and other criminal enterprises.
The troops subsequently 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 of identified targets, ground forces moved into the objective area, where they engaged and destroyed several terrorist camps and concealed hideouts located within the forest.
In the course of the operation, troops discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist leader where kidnapped victims were allegedly being held under harsh conditions.
Two lifeless bodies were recovered at the location, while one victim, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was found in chains and successfully rescued.
The rescued victim was administered first aid before being evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further medical attention.
The Army said further assessment of the operation confirmed the destruction of terrorist logistics structures, while evidence of enemy casualties was observed within the targeted locations, indicating a significant degradation of the terrorists’ operational capability.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.
It stressed that the fight against insecurity remains a collective responsibility and called for sustained collaboration between citizens and security agencies to address threats to peace and stability across the country.
About the Author
