Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed several terrorist camps and rescued a kidnapped victim during a major offensive operation in Katsina State.
The operation, conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP, involved troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force, with support from elements of the 8 Division Special Forces.
According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, the troops targeted terrorist enclaves around Tuga in Matazu Local Government Area of the state.
The military said the operation was driven by credible intelligence and supported by surveillance and reconnaissance assets, as well as precision air strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma.
During the operation, troops recovered 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys suspected to have been stolen by terrorists. The military noted that the recovery dealt a significant setback to the criminal networks that depend on livestock rustling and related activities for funding.
Following the initial success, the troops advanced into the notorious Fafu Forest to sustain pressure on the terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
The army disclosed that coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments were carried out before ground forces launched assaults on identified terrorist positions within the forest.
Several camps and concealed hideouts used by the terrorists were subsequently destroyed during the operation.
In the course of clearing the area, troops discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist commander where kidnapped victims were allegedly being held.
The military said two bodies were recovered from the location, while a victim identified as Nura Yar’Adua was found in chains and successfully rescued.
The rescued victim received immediate medical attention before being evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further treatment.
According to the report, further assessment of the operation revealed extensive damage to terrorist logistics facilities and support structures in the targeted locations.
The military also observed signs of enemy casualties, indicating that the operation significantly weakened the terrorists’ operational capacity.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity and protecting citizens, the military urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to support ongoing security operations.
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