In Katsina, Troops Neutralise 79 Terrorists, Rescues 290 Hostages in Q2
Troops of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified offensive operations against terrorists in Katsina State, neutralising 79 insurgents, rescuing 290 kidnapped victims and recovering 2,221 rustled livestock during operations conducted in the first half of 2026.
The Commander of the Brigade, Brigadier General M.I. Ibrahim, disclosed this while briefing defence correspondents during an operational tour of the brigade headquarters in Katsina.
He said the successes were achieved through intelligence-led operations, coordinated air-ground offensives and close collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC).
According to the commander, troops have maintained sustained pressure on terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements, resulting in significant improvements in the security situation across the brigade’s area of responsibility.
“Our troops have continued to maintain an aggressive operational posture against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements. These efforts have produced measurable results and significantly reduced terrorist activities across our area of responsibility,” Ibrahim said.
He revealed that between January and July 2026, troops neutralised 79 terrorists, arrested 18 suspected terrorist collaborators and rescued 290 kidnapped victims.
The brigade also recovered 2,221 rustled livestock, seized 23 AK-47 rifles, four PKT machine guns, 528 rounds of PKT ammunition, 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 48 AK-47 magazines and 74 motorcycles used by criminal gangs.
Operational statistics presented by the brigade showed that terrorist-related incidents declined from 46 recorded attacks during the corresponding period in 2025 to 38 in 2026, representing a 17.39 per cent reduction.
The report further indicated that attempted attacks on isolated communities dropped from 30 to 18, cattle rustling incidents declined from 45 to 30, while kidnapping cases reduced from 49 to 32 within the review period.
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Brigadier General Ibrahim attributed the progress to sustained offensive operations that denied terrorists freedom of movement across frontline local government areas, including Matazu, Musawa, Malumfashi, Danmusa, Kankara, Faskari, Funtua, Dandume and Sabuwa.
Highlighting some of the major operations, he said troops, supported by the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, launched an offensive on May 8 around Dikkawa in Matazu Local Government Area, killing two terrorists and rescuing 32 kidnapped victims from terrorist camps.
The operation also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 15 magazines, ammunition, military equipment, 10 motorcycles and 26 rustled livestock.
In another intelligence-led raid conducted on June 22 at Ginchawa in Matazu LGA, troops neutralised two terrorists and recovered two PKT machine guns, an AK-47 magazine, 75 rounds of linked 7.62mm NATO ammunition, a Dane gun, motorcycles, communication equipment, camouflage uniforms and additional rustled livestock.
The brigade commander also highlighted the achievements of Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, launched following the abduction of retired Major General R. Abubakar and his wife on May 30.
He said the joint operation, involving the 17 Brigade, 8 Division Special Forces, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other security agencies, led to the recovery of the late general’s body, the rescue of his wife and several other kidnapped victims, the destruction of terrorist camps and logistics bases, as well as the recovery of weapons, communication equipment and hundreds of rustled livestock.
Brigadier General Ibrahim further disclosed that on June 17, troops intercepted and recovered 318 rustled animals, comprising 36 cattle, 280 sheep and two donkeys, while follow-up operations in Fafu Forest resulted in the rescue of another kidnapped victim who had been held in chains and the destruction of additional terrorist camps.
He reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations until all terrorist hideouts across Katsina State are dismantled.
“Our objective remains clear—to eliminate terrorist hideouts, rescue innocent citizens, restore public confidence and create a secure environment for socio-economic activities to flourish,” he said.
By PRNigeria
