Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) have launched a major offensive against terrorist and bandit groups operating in parts of Katsina State, following the abduction and killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.
The military operation, code-named Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, commenced on June 14, 2026, and is focused on Matazu Local Government Area and adjoining communities where criminal elements are believed to be active.
According to the military, the operation was initiated in response to the abduction of the retired senior officer and his wife by suspected terrorists and bandits. The offensive aims to track down and neutralise those responsible, dismantle criminal networks, and restore security in the affected communities.
Since the operation began, troops have carried out 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.
The military disclosed that troops recorded significant successes during clearance operations in the Dikkawa Hills area and surrounding communities. Operations conducted in Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa led to the discovery and destruction of several terrorist hideouts, logistics bases, and other support structures used by the criminal groups.
Military authorities said the destruction of these facilities has further weakened the operational capabilities of terrorists and bandits in the area.
The operation is being conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, sister services, and local stakeholders, whose support has been described as critical to ongoing efforts to improve security across the state.
The Theatre Command of Operation FANSAN YAMMA reassured residents of Matazu and neighbouring communities that troops remain committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying criminal elements freedom of action within the region.
The military also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in tracking and apprehending terrorists and other criminal elements, assuring that all information received would be treated confidentially.
The command stated that troops would sustain pressure on the criminals until the objectives of the operation are fully achieved and promised to provide further updates as the operation progresses. #securitynewsalert.com
