Troops rescue kidnap victim found in chains, destroy terror camps in Katsina forest

By Johnson Arua

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnap victim found in chains inside the notorious Fafu Forest and dismantled several terrorist hideouts during ongoing clearance operations in Katsina State.

The Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying troops under Operation CLEAN SWEEP have intensified offensive operations across the state.

According to the statement, personnel from the 17 Brigade and 8 Division Special Forces carried out coordinated operations to clear terrorist strongholds around Tuga community in Matazu Local Government Area.

Supported by intelligence, surveillance assets and air strikes conducted under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the troops recovered 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys, disrupting a major source of funding for the criminal groups.

The operation later extended into the notorious Fafu Forest, where troops destroyed several terrorist camps and logistics bases following coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments.

During follow-up exploitation of the area, soldiers discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist kingpin. They recovered two bodies and rescued a kidnap victim identified as Nura Yar'Adua, who was found in chains.

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

Military authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security across Katsina State and the wider North-West region.