Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
KATSINA, Nigeria – Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a man identified as Nura Yar’Adua from a bandit hideout in the Fafu Forest, near Tuga community in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, during an ongoing clearance operation. The victim, who was found in chains and showed signs of severe abuse, is currently unable to speak and receiving medical treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina.
The rescue was carried out on Thursday, June 18, 2026, by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force, supported by elements of the 8 Division Special Forces, as part of Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, a coordinated offensive against terrorist and bandit enclaves across the state. According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army on Friday, June 19, the operation involved intelligence-led missions, aerial surveillance, and precision strikes from the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
On the fourth day of the operation, troops conducted a clearance mission targeting terrorist strongholds in and around Tuga community in Matazu LGA. The troops leveraged real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) support, complemented by precision strikes from the Air Component, to clear several settlements occupied by the terrorists. During the operation, troops recovered 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys believed to have been rustled by criminal groups.
Maintaining the momentum, troops advanced into the notorious Fafu Forest under the Army’s “Relentless Incursion” strategy aimed at denying terrorists safe havens. Following coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments on identified targets, ground forces moved into the objective area, destroying several terrorist camps and concealed hideouts. During the exploitation phase, troops uncovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist leader where kidnapped victims were reportedly being held in harsh conditions. Two lifeless bodies were recovered at the site, while one captive, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was found in chains and successfully rescued.
The rescued victim received immediate first aid and was evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for advanced medical treatment. According to the military, he is currently unable to speak, having endured severe abuse during his captivity. The Army has called on members of the public to share information widely to help identify the victim and reunite him with his family.
The Army said further assessments confirmed the effectiveness of the operation, with terrorist logistics structures destroyed and evidence of enemy casualties observed at targeted locations, indicating a significant degradation of the terrorists’ operational capabilities. Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Nigerian Army pledged to continue defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also urged members of the public to support security agencies with credible and timely information, stressing that the fight against insecurity remains a collective responsibility.
The rescue comes amid intensified military operations across Katsina State, where troops have been targeting bandit enclaves and dismantling criminal networks. Earlier this week, troops rescued four kidnap victims who had been held captive alongside the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information who died in captivity.
Anyone who recognises Nura Yar’Adua or has information about his family is urged to contact the nearest security agency or the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, to facilitate his reunification with loved ones.
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