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Nigeria’s military has launched a major offensive against terrorists and bandits in Katsina State following the abduction and killing of a retired major general, the Defence Headquarters said on Monday.
Operation Clean Sweep III, under the Joint Task Force North West’s Operation Fansan Yamma, is targeting criminal networks operating in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities, according to a statement from Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, media information officer for the JTF.
The operation commenced on 14 June 2026, Danja said.
The offensive follows the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists and bandits in the area.
Abubakar was laid to rest on Sunday at approximately 6:00 pm at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery in the Katsina metropolis, opposite his residence.
Since the launch of Operation Clean Sweep III, troops have carried out aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions across identified terrorist hideouts and suspected criminal enclaves, according to Danja.
The military reported significant successes around the Dikkawa Hills and nearby communities.
“Clearance missions conducted in Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa led to the discovery and destruction of several terrorist hideouts, logistics bases, and other life-support structures used by the criminal groups, further weakening their operational capabilities,” Danja said.
The offensive is being conducted in collaboration with sister services, other security agencies and local stakeholders, the military said.
The Theatre Command reassured residents of Matazu and surrounding communities of its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of movement within the region.
The command urged the public to continue providing credible and timely information to assist security agencies in tracking criminal elements, adding that all information would be treated confidentially.
Troops would sustain pressure on terrorists and bandits until the objectives of Operation Clean Sweep III are fully achieved, the command said, promising further updates as the operation progresses.
Banditry and kidnapping for ransom remain widespread in northwestern Nigeria, with armed groups frequently targeting civilians, travellers and security personnel. Katsina is among several states worst affected by the violence.
