Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III have rescued four kidnapped victims during intensified counter-banditry operations targeting notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and his criminal network in Katsina State.
The successful operation was carried out on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group/Quick Response Force, supported by personnel of the 8 Division Special Forces. The troops launched a deliberate offensive on 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, enabling troops to accurately identify and dominate the terrorists’ enclave.
During the operation, troops engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower. Unable to withstand the assault, the bandits fled in disarray, abandoning their camp and captives. Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the rescue of four abducted victims.
The rescued 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. He 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 are apprehended or neutralised.
The military reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to ensuring that terrorists and bandits have no safe haven across the country.
