Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have launched a major offensive against terrorists and bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, destroying several criminal hideouts and logistics bases during ongoing clearance operations.

The military said the operation, codenamed Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, commenced on June 14, 2026, following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists in the area.

According to the Joint Task Force, the operation is aimed at tracking down those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring security across affected communities.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops have been carrying out aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations, and clearance missions across identified terrorist enclaves within the Joint Operations Area.

Danja said troops recorded significant successes in the Dikkawa Hills area and neighbouring communities, where several terrorist hideouts were discovered and destroyed.

“Since the commencement of the operation on 14 June 2026, 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.

He added that clearance operations were conducted in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa communities, leading to the destruction of terrorists’ support structures.

“During the operations, terrorists’ life-support structures and logistics bases were discovered and destroyed, further degrading the criminals’ ability to operate within the area,” Danja stated.

The military spokesman noted that the operation is being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security efforts across Katsina State.

“The operation is being conducted in close collaboration with sister services, other security agencies and local stakeholders whose support continues to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts aimed at improving security within the state,” he said.

He reassured residents of Matazu and surrounding communities of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and preventing terrorists and bandits from operating freely in the region.

“The Theatre Command wishes to reassure the good people of 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,” Danja added.

He also called on members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, assuring that all information would be treated confidentially.

According to him, troops will sustain pressure on criminal elements until the objectives of the operation are fully achieved, while further updates will be provided as the operation progresses.

On Saturday, the Katsina State Government confirmed Abubakar’s death.

The government said he died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity. (PUNCH)

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