Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation CLEAN SWEEP have intensified offensive operations against terrorist groups in Katsina State, rescuing a kidnap victim, dismantling terrorist camps and recovering a large number of rustled livestock during coordinated ground and air assaults.

The military disclosed that troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force, working alongside elements of the 8 Division Special Forces, conducted a series of intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities and restoring security in affected communities across the North-West.

According to military authorities, on the fourth day of the operation, troops launched a coordinated clearance mission against terrorist enclaves in and around Tuga in Matazu Local Government Area. 

The operation was supported by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets as well as precision air strikes conducted by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

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

Security officials described the recovery as a significant setback to the criminal networks, whose operations are largely sustained through cattle rustling and other illicit activities.

The troops subsequently advanced into the notorious Fafu Forest as part of a sustained campaign to deny terrorists safe havens. 

Following coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments of identified targets, ground forces moved into the area, destroying several camps and concealed hideouts located within the forest.

In the course of the operation, soldiers discovered a hideout linked to a notorious terrorist commander where kidnap victims were being held in captivity. 

Two bodies were recovered at the location, while one victim, identified as Nura Yar'Adua, was found chained and rescued by the troops.

The rescued victim received immediate first aid before being evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further medical treatment.

Military sources said subsequent assessments revealed extensive damage to terrorist logistics infrastructure, while signs of enemy casualties were observed across the targeted locations, indicating a substantial degradation of the group's operational capability.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to defending the nation's territorial integrity and combating insecurity across the country. 

It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against criminal and terrorist elements.

"The fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility, and together we shall overcome all threats to peace and stability," the Army stated.