Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: John. O
KATSINA, Katsina State, Nigeria — June 19, 2026 — Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered 318 rustled livestock during a major clearance operation targeting terrorist camps and criminal networks in Katsina State.
The operation was carried out under Operation Clean Sweep by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force, supported by personnel from the 8 Division Special Forces and the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma, according to a statement released by the Nigerian Army on Friday, June 19, 2026.
The military said the operation was part of intensified efforts to dismantle terrorist enclaves, disrupt criminal activities, and restore security across communities in the North-West region.
According to the Army, the operation entered its fourth day when troops conducted a coordinated clearance mission targeting terrorist strongholds around Tuga community in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The troops reportedly relied on intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance support before advancing into the affected areas. The operation was also supported by air strikes from the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma.
During the operation, troops recovered a large number of livestock believed to have been stolen by terrorists and armed criminals. The recovered animals included 36 cattle, 280 sheep, and two donkeys.
The Army said the recovery represented a major setback for the criminal groups because livestock rustling remains one of the major sources of funding for armed groups operating in the region.
The troops also advanced into Fafu Forest, an area identified as a hideout for criminal elements. The Army said the operation involved air and artillery strikes followed by ground advances into difficult terrain where several camps and hideouts were destroyed.
During the exploitation of the area, troops discovered a hideout allegedly linked to a notorious terrorist leader, where kidnapped victims were being held.
The Army said two bodies were recovered from the location, while one victim identified as Nura Yar’Adua was found alive but reportedly held in chains.
Yar’Adua was rescued by the troops and immediately provided with first aid before being evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina for medical treatment.
The military added that further assessments of the operation indicated significant damage to terrorist logistics structures, with evidence suggesting that the armed groups suffered losses during the encounter.
The North-West region of Nigeria has continued to face security challenges from armed groups involved in terrorism, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities. Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto, and neighbouring states have experienced repeated incidents involving criminal networks operating from forest areas.
Security agencies have increased operations across the region through intelligence-led raids, air operations, and ground offensives aimed at denying armed groups safe havens.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining national security, urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that could assist security operations.
The military also stated that operations against terrorist and criminal networks would continue until affected communities are restored to stability.
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