Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnap victim found in chains inside the notorious Fafu Forest and dismantled terror 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 of the Operation CLEAN SWEEP intensified offensives in Katsina State, with units from 17 Brigade and 8 Division Special Forces clearing terrorist strongholds around Tuga in Matazu LGA.
Backed by intelligence, surveillance and air strikes from Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the forces recovered 36 cattle, 280 sheep and 2 donkeys, cutting off a key revenue source for the criminal groups.
Pushing into the notorious Fafu Forest, troops destroyed several terrorist camps and logistics sites after coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments.
During exploitation, they found a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist leader, recovering two bodies and rescuing one kidnapped victim, Nura Yar’Adua, who was found in chains.
He received first aid and was evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina.
“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 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force alongside elements of 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, clearing 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 2 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 within the objective area, engaging and destroying several terrorist camps and concealed hideouts embedded within 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, we shall collectively address all threats to peace and stability.”
