The Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), has launched Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV, a coordinated ground and air offensive aimed at intensifying pressure on terrorist and armed criminal groups operating across the North-West.
The military said the operation is designed to disrupt terrorist networks, prevent infiltration and expansion of terrorist activities, and deny armed groups the opportunity to establish operational bases within communities in the region.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West), Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the offensive combines simultaneous ground and air operations targeting identified terrorist threats across the North-West states.
“The operation brings coordinated ground and air actions to bear on identified threats across the North Western States, with the objective of degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting their movements and logistics, and denying them the opportunity to establish footholds within Nigerian communities,” Danja said.
The military disclosed that troops have already intensified operations under the new offensive.
In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 conducted a clearance operation on August 12 around suspected terrorist hideouts in Dutsinma Local Government Area. The operation reportedly forced the terrorists to abandon their positions and retreat into surrounding bushes, while troops continue clearance operations in the area.
In Zamfara State, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out precision airstrikes following intelligence on the movement and gathering of terrorists riding motorcycles in Anka Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the strikes neutralised scores of terrorists, forcing surviving fighters to abandon their motorcycles and flee into nearby bushes before being further engaged by military aircraft.
The military also revealed that a major objective of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV is dismantling the Lakurawa terrorist network operating across the theatre.
“The operation is designed to prevent the infiltration and reinforcement of Lakurawa elements into Nigeria while denying the group the opportunity to exploit border areas as corridors for movement, logistics and the establishment of enclaves,” Danja stated.
He added that the operation would also target terrorist activities around the River Niger axis and the Kainji Lake National Park to prevent the areas from being used as launch pads for attacks on neighbouring communities.
“The operation further seeks to block the activities of terrorist elements operating around the River Niger axis and the Kainji Lake National Park, thereby preventing them from using the area as a platform for projecting violence into adjoining communities and other parts of the North West,” he said.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment, Danja said the launch of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV demonstrates Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s sustained resolve to confront evolving security threats across the region.
“The Theatre remains resolute in protecting civilian communities, securing Nigeria’s territorial integrity and denying terrorist elements the opportunity to regroup, reinforce or establish operational footholds,” he added.
