32 Kidnap Victims Freed as Troops Raid Terrorist Hideout in Katsina32 Kidnap Victims Freed as Troops Raid Terrorist Hideout in Katsina

Operatives of the Nigerian Army have rescued 32 kidnapped victims and neutralised two suspected terrorists during a major offensive operation carried out in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The successful operation, conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade, also led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, motorcycles and rustled livestock believed to have been used or seized by the criminal group terrorising communities in the area.

According to an operational report released on Friday and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, the operation was launched following credible intelligence regarding the movement and activities of a notorious terrorist kingpin identified as Muhammed Filani.

Military sources disclosed that troops swiftly mobilised to the area after receiving the intelligence report and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle. The troops reportedly overpowered the criminals during the confrontation, forcing them to flee while two of the insurgents were neutralised.

Security operatives recovered a cache of weapons and other items from the scene, including two AK-47 rifles, 15 magazines loaded with ammunition, assorted rounds of ammunition, a fabricated grenade and a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) butt. Troops also recovered 10 motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists for operations and escape routes across remote communities.

In addition to the weapons recovery, the troops rescued 32 kidnapped victims who had been held captive by the terrorists. The victims included 10 women, nine men and 13 children, highlighting the devastating impact of kidnapping and banditry on vulnerable communities in the region.

The army said arrangements were already underway to hand over the rescued victims to the appropriate authorities for medical attention, profiling and reunification with their families. It also disclosed that the 26 rustled livestock recovered during the operation would be returned to their rightful owners and local custodians.

“The troops rescued 32 kidnapped victims comprising 10 females, nine males and 13 children during the operation,” the report stated.

“The victims are being prepared for handover to relevant authorities, while recovered livestock will be returned to local custodians.”

Military authorities further revealed that exploitation operations were ongoing in the affected communities and surrounding forests to dismantle terrorist hideouts and prevent the regrouping of fleeing insurgents.

The Nigerian Army stated that the offensive forms part of ongoing military efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping and banditry across parts of Katsina State and the wider North-West region, where armed groups have continued to attack villages, abduct residents and rustle livestock.

Security agencies have intensified clearance operations in recent months as part of coordinated efforts aimed at restoring peace, protecting rural communities and denying criminal groups freedom of movement across troubled areas.