Society

Troops destroy terrorist camps in Katsina forest, rescue kidnap victim

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed several terrorist camps during ongoing Operation CLEAN SWEEP and rescued a kidnap victim in Katsina State.

The operation was conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force, supported by elements of the 8 Division Special Forces.

This is contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

The army said the operation targeted terrorist strongholds around Tuga in Matazu Local Government Area.

It said the troops leveraged intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support as well as precision strikes from the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma.

According to the army, troops recovered 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys believed to have been rustled by terrorists.

It stated that the recovery dealt a major blow to the economic activities of criminal groups that rely on livestock theft and related crimes.

“The troops subsequently advanced into the notorious Fafu Forest to sustain pressure on the terrorists and deny them safe havens,” it said.

The army said coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments preceded the ground assault on identified terrorist locations.

It added that troops engaged and destroyed several terrorist camps and concealed hideouts within the forest.

“During exploitation of the area, the troops discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist leader where kidnapped victims were being held.

“Two lifeless bodies were recovered from the location.

“One victim, identified as Nura Yar’Adua, was found in chains and successfully rescued by the troops.

“The rescued victim was administered first aid and evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for advanced medical treatment,” it added.

The army said further assessment revealed extensive damage to terrorist logistics structures in the targeted areas.

It added that signs of enemy casualties were observed, indicating a significant degradation of the terrorists’ operational capability.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and protecting citizens from security threats.

It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.