Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation CLEAN SWEEP have recorded a major operational success in Katsina State following sustained offensive actions against terrorist elements in the North-West region.
The operation, conducted by personnel of the 17 Brigade Strike Group, Quick Response Force, and elements of the 8 Division Special Forces, was aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting logistics networks, and restoring security across affected communities.
On the fourth day of the offensive, troops carried out a coordinated clearance mission targeting terrorist strongholds around Tuga in Matazu Local Government Area. The operation was supported by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, as well as air support from the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, resulting in the successful clearance of several settlements.
During the mission, troops recovered a large number of rustled livestock believed to have been stolen by the criminals, including 36 cattle, 280 sheep, and two donkeys. The recovery is considered a significant disruption to the terrorists’ economic base, which relies heavily on cattle rustling and related illicit activities.
In a continued advance, troops moved into the Fafu Forest, a known hideout for armed groups, employing a sustained “Relentless Incursion” strategy to deny terrorists safe havens. Following coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments on identified targets, ground forces engaged and destroyed multiple terrorist camps and concealed structures within the difficult terrain.
During exploitation of the area, troops discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist commander, where kidnapped victims were being held under harsh conditions. Two lifeless bodies were recovered, while one victim, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was found alive in chains.
He was immediately given first aid and evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further medical treatment.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the operation inflicted significant damage on terrorist logistics and operational networks, with destroyed structures and evidence of casualties observed across the cleared locations.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against criminal elements and urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, emphasizing that collective effort remains key to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
