Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III have rescued four kidnapped victims during sustained counter-banditry operations targeting notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and his criminal network in Katsina State.
The rescue followed a deliberate offensive launched on Tuesday by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force, supported by personnel of the 8 Division Special Forces, to clear terrorists’ hideouts in Fafu Village along the Matazu-Musawa axis.
Ahead of the ground operation, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions over the area, enabling troops to identify and dominate the terrorists’ enclave.
According to the Army, troops engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon their camp and captives.
Subsequent exploitation of the camp led to the rescue of four abducted victims.
The victims were evacuated to the Forward Operating Base in Matazu, where they were received by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General BP Koughna.
Koughna reassured the victims of their safety and reiterated the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security across Katsina State.
Some of the victims, who sustained gunshot wounds inflicted by their abductors during captivity, received immediate medical attention before being transferred to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further treatment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted on April 14, 2026, from Sabon Sara along the Matazu-Karaduwa Road and were held alongside the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife.
The Nigerian Army said troops remain on the trail of Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other criminal elements and will sustain aggressive operations until those responsible for acts of terror against innocent citizens are apprehended or neutralised.
The military also reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to ensuring that terrorists and bandits have no safe haven in the country.
