Security forces have freed an abducted man who was found restrained and dismantled multiple insurgent camps during a major sweep in Katsina State.

The mission was executed by personnel of the 17 Brigade Strike Group, Quick Response Force, and units of the 8 Division Special Forces. They focused on Tuga and surrounding areas in Matazu Local Government Area. The assault was guided by live Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance feeds and backed by targeted air strikes from Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s air unit.

Troops moved through several communities and seized livestock believed to be proceeds of rustling: 36 cows, 280 sheep, and two donkeys. Cutting off this supply line hits a major funding source for the armed groups.

The advance later extended into Fafu Forest under the military’s “Relentless Incursion” approach. After a mix of aerial strikes and artillery fire, soldiers razed several camps and hidden shelters inside the forest.

Inside one bunker traced to a top insurgent commander, forces found three captives. Two had been killed, but one man, Nura Yar’Adua, was discovered chained and was successfully extracted. He received emergency care on site before being moved to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina for further treatment.

Post-operation checks showed that logistics stores used by the fighters had been destroyed and there were indications of casualties among the criminals. The military described this as a heavy blow to their ability to operate in the North-West.

The Army restated its resolve to defend the nation’s borders and territory, and called on citizens to share timely, credible information with security agencies, saying public cooperation is key to ending insecurity.

Source: X | HQNigerianArmy