Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation CLEAN SWEEP have intensified offensive operations against terrorist elements in Katsina State, recording significant successes through sustained intelligence-led missions aimed at dismantling criminal strongholds and restoring security across affected communities in the North-West.
The operations, conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force in collaboration with elements of the 8 Division Special Forces, delivered decisive blows to terrorist networks operating within the state.
On the fourth day of the operation, troops executed a coordinated clearance mission targeting terrorist enclaves in and around Tuga, located in Matazu Local Government Area. Supported by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets as well as precision air strikes by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the troops successfully cleared several settlements identified as terrorist hideouts.
During the operation, security forces recovered a large number of rustled livestock believed to have been stolen by the criminals. The recovered animals included 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys. Military authorities described the recovery as a major setback for the terrorist groups, whose activities are largely financed through cattle rustling and other illicit ventures.
Maintaining operational momentum, troops advanced into the notorious Fafu Forest as part of the Army’s “Relentless Incursion” strategy designed to deny terrorists safe havens. Following coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments of identified targets, ground forces moved into the area and destroyed several camps and concealed hideouts located within the difficult forest terrain.
During exploitation operations, troops discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist leader where kidnapped victims were being held. Two bodies were recovered at the location, while one victim, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was found in chains and successfully rescued.
The rescued victim received immediate first aid before being evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further medical treatment.
Military assessments indicated that several terrorist logistics structures were destroyed during the operation, while evidence of enemy casualties was observed at targeted locations, suggesting a significant degradation of the group’s operational capabilities.
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.
The Army stressed that addressing insecurity remains a collective responsibility and pledged to sustain efforts aimed at eliminating threats to peace and stability across the country.
