Nigerian Army troops conducting Operation Clean Sweep III in Katsina State have rescued four kidnapped victims during sustained offensive operations targeting notorious bandit leader Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and his criminal network.
The Army disclosed this on Wednesday, stating that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts and restore security across the state.
According to a statement, troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group/Quick Response Force, supported by personnel of the 8 Division Special Forces, launched a deliberate offensive on Tuesday against terrorist camps in Fafu Village along the Matazu–Musawa axis.
The Army said the operation was preceded by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions conducted by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, which enabled troops to accurately identify and dominate the terrorists’ enclave.
During the operation, troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, deploying overwhelming firepower that forced the criminals to abandon their camp and flee.
“Unable to withstand the troops’ aggressive offensive, the terrorists fled in disarray and abandoned their camp and captives,” the statement said.
The Army added that a follow-up exploitation of the camp led to the rescue of four abducted victims.
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to the Forward Operating Base in Matazu, where they were received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General BP Koughna.
The GOC reassured the victims of their safety and reiterated the military’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security across Katsina State.
Some of the victims, who sustained gunshot wounds allegedly inflicted by their abductors during captivity, received immediate medical attention before being transferred to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for specialist treatment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted on April 14, 2026, from Sabon Sara along the Matazu-Karaduwa Road.
The Army further disclosed that the victims were held captive alongside the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife.
It stated that troops remain in pursuit of Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other members of his criminal network.
“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 statement added.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment, alongside other security agencies, to ensuring that terrorists and bandits have no safe haven anywhere in the country.
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