Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnap victim found chained inside the notorious Fafu Forest in Katsina State, while also dismantling multiple terrorist hideouts during ongoing clearance operations.
Operation CLEAN SWEEP Intensifies
According to a statement released on Friday, June 19, 2026, troops from Operation CLEAN SWEEP have intensified their offensives in Katsina State. Units from 17 Brigade and 8 Division Special Forces cleared terrorist strongholds around Tuga in Matazu Local Government Area.
Backed by intelligence, surveillance, and air strikes from Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the forces recovered 36 cattle, 280 sheep, and 2 donkeys, effectively cutting off a key revenue source for the criminal groups.
Assault on Fafu Forest
Pushing deeper into the infamous Fafu Forest, troops destroyed several terrorist camps and logistics sites following coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments. During exploitation, they discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist leader, recovering two bodies and rescuing one kidnapped victim, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, who was found in chains.
Yar’Adua received first aid at the scene and was subsequently evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina for advanced medical care.
Army Statement Highlights
The Nigerian Army stated: "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."
"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, they cleared several settlements.
Recovery of Stolen Livestock
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.
Rescue and Medical Evacuation
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.
Call for Public Support
The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its mission to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. They call on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information. The statement concluded: "Recall that the fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility; we shall collectively address all threats to peace and stability."
