Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation CLEAN SWEEP have rescued a kidnap victim, Nura Yar’adua and destroyed several terrorist hideouts during ongoing operations against criminal elements in Katsina State.
Military sources said the operations were conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and the Quick Response Force in collaboration with elements of the 8 Division Special Forces as part of efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves, disrupt their logistics networks and restore security in communities across the North-West.
According to the army, troops, on the fourth day of the operation, carried out a coordinated clearance mission targeting terrorist strongholds in and around Tuga in Matazu Local Government Area. The operation was 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 sources disclosed that the troops subsequently advanced into the notorious Fafu forest under 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 used by the terrorists.
During the exploitation phase of the operation, the troops reportedly discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist leader where kidnapped victims were being held under harsh conditions.
Military authorities said two lifeless bodies were recovered from the location, while Nura Yar’adua was found in chains and successfully rescued.
The army added that the rescued victim was given immediate first aid before being evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina for further medical attention.
Troops recovered a large number of rustled livestock believed to have been stolen by the terrorists. The recovered animals include 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys.
