Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have launched a fierce offensive in Katsina State, destroying multiple terrorist hideouts and logistics bases in a direct response to the abduction and death of a retired Major General.
The operation, codenamed Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, began on 14 June 2026, targeting bandit and terrorist elements operating within Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
Military sources confirmed that the offensive was triggered by the recent abduction and subsequent killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was taken alongside his wife by suspected terrorists in the same area.
Since operations commenced, troops have conducted aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations, and clearance missions across identified criminal enclaves.
Significant gains have been recorded in the Dikkawa Hills general area, a known stronghold for terror groups. Troops also cleared hideouts in the Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa areas, where several criminal enclaves were searched and neutralized.
During the raids, military personnel discovered and destroyed what the Theatre Command described as “terrorists’ life-support structures and logistics bases,” effectively crippling the criminals’ ability to operate within the region.
The Joint Task Force emphasized that the operation is being conducted in close collaboration with sister services, other security agencies, and local stakeholders, whose support has been instrumental to the progress made so far.
In an official statement, the Theatre Command reassured residents of Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities that troops remain committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists freedom of action.
“The operation is aimed at locating and neutralizing the perpetrators of the heinous act, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring security within the affected communities,” the statement read.
Members of the public are encouraged to provide credible and timely information to security agencies, with assurances that all intelligence received will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Troops have vowed to sustain pressure on criminal elements until all operational objectives are fully achieved.
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer for Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, confirmed that further updates will be provided as the operation progresses.
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