Troops rescue chained kidnap victim, destroy terror camps in Fafu Forest Katsina 

Nigerian Army troops have intensified counter-terrorism operations in Katsina State, rescuing a kidnapped victim found in chains and dismantling several terrorist hideouts in the notorious Fafu Forest as part of an ongoing offensive aimed at restoring security across the North-West.

The operation, conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP, involved troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force working alongside elements of the 8 Division Special Forces in coordinated intelligence-driven missions designed to eliminate terrorist enclaves, disrupt criminal networks and protect vulnerable communities from persistent attacks.

Military sources disclosed that the troops, on the fourth day of the operation, launched a carefully coordinated clearance mission targeting terrorist strongholds in and around Tuga, located in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The operation was supported by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets, as well as precision air strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, enabling security forces to neutralise threats and clear several settlements previously occupied by the criminals.

The sustained offensive also resulted in the recovery of a large number of rustled livestock believed to have been stolen by the terrorists during raids on local communities. The recovered animals included 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys. Security officials believe the seizure represents a significant setback for the criminal groups, whose operations are largely financed through cattle rustling, kidnapping and other illicit activities that have destabilised rural communities across the region.

Maintaining operational momentum, the troops advanced deeper into the notorious Fafu Forest, a location long regarded as a hideout for armed groups operating across Katsina and neighbouring states. Employing a strategy aimed at denying terrorists safe havens, the soldiers moved into the forest after coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments on identified targets.

Ground forces subsequently stormed the objective areas, destroying multiple terrorist camps, logistics bases and concealed hideouts embedded within the dense forest terrain. The operation also uncovered evidence suggesting that the criminal groups had established extensive support structures within the forest to sustain their activities.

During the exploitation phase of the operation, troops discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist commander where kidnapped victims were reportedly being held under harsh conditions. Two lifeless bodies were recovered from the location, highlighting the brutality of the criminal group.

One captive, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was found chained inside the hideout and was successfully rescued by the advancing troops. The victim received immediate first aid at the scene before being evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, where he is receiving further medical attention.

Military assessments conducted after the operation indicated that several terrorist logistics facilities and supply structures were destroyed, while signs of enemy casualties were observed within the targeted camps. Security officials said the outcome of the offensive had significantly weakened the operational capability of the terrorist elements and disrupted their ability to coordinate future attacks.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that ongoing operations against terrorists and other criminal groups would continue until lasting peace is restored in affected communities.

The Army also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations, noting that the fight against insecurity requires the collective efforts of both security forces and citizens.