The Nigerian Army troops under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III have rescued four kidnapped civilians in Katsina State during sustained offensives targeting bandit kingpin Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and his network. The operation marks another gain in the military’s counter-banditry campaign in the state.

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, soldiers from 17 Brigade Strike Group and the Quick Response Force, supported by 8 Division Special Forces, carried out a coordinated assault on terrorist hideouts in Fafu Village along the Matazu-Musawa axis. Before the ground operation, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights to map the enclave.

Troops engaged the bandits with heavy firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon their camp and captives. A sweep of the area led to the recovery of four abducted victims. The rescued persons were moved to Forward Operating Base Matazu, where the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General BP Koughna, received them and assured them of safety.

Some of the victims had gunshot injuries inflicted by their captors and received immediate treatment at the base before being transferred to Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina for further care. Preliminary findings show the victims were kidnapped on April 14, 2026, from Sabon Sara along the Matazu-Karaduwa Road. They were held alongside the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, rtd, and his wife.

The army said troops are still tracking Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other members of his group, and will maintain aggressive operations until those behind attacks on civilians are arrested or neutralized. It reiterated that the Nigerian Army, working with other security agencies, remains committed to denying terrorists and bandits any safe haven.

Sources: Nigerian Army