Troops of the Nigerian Army conducting Operation CLEAN SWEEP III have recorded another major breakthrough in ongoing counter-banditry operations in Katsina State, rescuing another four kidnapped victims during sustained offensive operations targeting the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and his criminal network.
On Tuesday, 16 June 2026, troops of 17 Brigade Strike Group/Quick Response Force supported by troops of 8 Division Special Forces launched a deliberate offensive to clear terrorists’ hideouts in Fafu Village along the Matazu-Musawa axis. Prior to the ground assault, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions over the area, enabling troops to accurately identify and dominate the terrorists’ enclave.
Troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with overwhelming firepower. Unable to withstand the troops’ aggressive offensive, the terrorists fled in disarray and abandoned their camp and captives. Subsequent exploitation of the camp led to the rescue of four abducted victims.
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to Forward Operating Base Matazu where they were received by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General BP Koughna, who reassured them of their safety and reaffirmed the commitment of troops to restoring peace and security across the state. Sime of the victims, who sustained gunshot wounds inflicted by their abductors during captivity, received immediate medical attention and were subsequently moved to the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina for expert medical management.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted on 14 April 2026 from Sabon Sara along the Matazu-Karaduwa Road and were held in captivity alongside the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd) and his wife.
Troops remain on the trail of Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other criminal elements and will continue to sustain aggressive operations until all those responsible for acts of terror against innocent citizens are apprehended or neutralised. The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies remains committed to ensuring that terrorists and bandits have no safe haven.
