CHAINS BROKEN IN FAFU FOREST AS TROOPS RESCUE CAPTIVE, DESTROY TERRORIST HIDEOUTS IN KATSINA

By muazu Hassan 

Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded another major success in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Katsina State, rescuing a kidnapped victim found in chains, recovering hundreds of rustled animals, and destroying several terrorist camps during the ongoing Operation CLEAN SWEEP.

The operations, 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, were backed by real-time intelligence, surveillance, and air support under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

According to the Army, on the fourth day of the offensive, troops launched a coordinated clearance operation on terrorist enclaves in and around Tuga, in Matazu Local Government Area. The mission led to the successful clearing of several settlements previously occupied by criminal elements.

Security forces also recovered a large number of livestock believed to have been rustled by terrorists. The recovered animals included 36 cattle, 280 sheep, and two donkeys, dealing a significant blow to the terrorists' economic network, which largely depends on cattle rustling and other criminal activities.

The troops later advanced into the notorious Fafu Forest under what the military described as its "Relentless Incursion" strategy aimed at denying terrorists safe havens. Following coordinated aerial bombardments and artillery strikes, ground forces stormed the forest, destroying several camps and concealed hideouts.

During the operation, soldiers discovered a hideout belonging to a notorious terrorist commander where kidnapped victims were being held under inhumane conditions. Two lifeless bodies were recovered from the location, while one captive, identified as Nura Yar'Adua, was found chained and was successfully rescued.

The rescued victim received immediate first aid before being evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further medical treatment.

Military authorities said further assessments revealed extensive damage to terrorist logistics facilities, with clear evidence of enemy casualties, indicating a significant degradation of the group's operational capability.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the nation's sovereignty and restoring peace across the North-West. It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, stressing that the fight against insecurity remains a collective responsibility.