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Troops of the Joint Task Force North West have launched a major offensive operation targeting terrorist and bandit elements in Katsina State following the abduction and killing of a retired major general, the military said on Monday.
Operation Clean Sweep III commenced on 14 June 2026 in Matazu Local Government Area and adjoining communities, according to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma.
“The operation was launched following the unfortunate incident that led to the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists and bandits in the area,” Danja said.
“The operation is aimed at locating and neutralising the perpetrators of the heinous act, dismantling criminal networks and restoring security within the affected communities.”
Since the commencement of the offensive, troops have conducted “aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions across identified criminal hideouts and suspected terrorist enclaves” within the Joint Operations Area, he said.
Troops recorded notable successes in the general area of the Dikkawa Hills and surrounding communities, according to Danja.
“Troops conducted clearance operations on identified terrorist hideouts in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa areas, where several criminal enclaves were searched and combed,” Danja said.
“During the operations, terrorists’ life-support structures and logistics bases were discovered and destroyed, further degrading the criminals’ ability to operate within the area,” he added.
The operation is being conducted “in close collaboration with sister services, other security agencies and local stakeholders,” whose support continues to contribute to efforts to improve security within the state, the military said.
The Theatre Command reassured residents of the Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities that “troops remain committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of action within the region.”
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in tracking and apprehending terrorists and criminal elements,” Danja said.
“All information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
“Troops will continue to sustain pressure on criminal elements until the operational objectives are fully achieved.”
The military said further updates would be provided as the operation progresses.
Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar was laid to rest on Sunday at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery in the Katsina metropolis following funeral prayers attended by a large crowd of mourners.
OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA: TROOPS DESTROY TERRORIST HIDEOUTS AS OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS COMMENCE IN KATSINA STATE
Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) have commenced a deliberate offensive operation, code-named Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, targeting… pic.twitter.com/VncbIeL3wm
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) June 15, 2026
