Operation Clean Sweep: Troops repel attack on construction workers, rescue abductees

By Kingsley Omonobi

Troops conducting Operation Clean Sweep IV under the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have thwarted terrorist attacks in Katsina and Kebbi states, neutralised two terrorists and rescued abducted construction workers.

The troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle and motorcycles and supported the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in an operation that led to the seizure of illicit drugs in Katsina State.

The Media Information Officer, Operation Clean Sweep IV, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Danja said troops of Sector 2 responded to reports of terrorist activities in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State on August 14, 2026.

He said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, neutralising two of them and forcing others to flee the area.

“During the operation, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine,” he said.

In a separate operation in southern Kebbi State, Danja said troops responded to a distress call following the abduction of construction workers at Tsatsunbe village.

He said the troops rapidly mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.

“Three motorcycles were recovered from the fleeing terrorists, while all the construction workers were successfully rescued and safely returned to their camp,” he said.

Danja added that one of the workers sustained injuries during the incident and was evacuated to a military medical facility, where he is receiving treatment.

In Katsina State, he said troops also supported personnel of the NDLEA, Malumfashi Area Command, in a joint raid on a suspected drug peddler’s hideout in Gozaki village, Kafur Local Government Area.

The operation resulted in the recovery of significant quantities of suspected illicit drugs, which were handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action.

Danja said the operations demonstrated the commitment of Operation Fansan Yamma to protecting communities, safeguarding critical economic activities and denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area.

“The Theatre Command remains resolute in its mission to relentlessly pursue criminal elements, defend vulnerable populations and foster a secure environment where citizens can conduct their legitimate daily activities without fear,” he said.

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