Katsina — Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have launched a major offensive against terrorists and bandits 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, is focused on flushing out criminal elements operating in Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, said the operation commenced on June 14 with the objective of tracking down and neutralising those responsible for the retired military officer’s death.
Maj.-Gen. Abubakar was reportedly abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists and bandits before he was later killed in captivity, a development that sparked outrage and renewed calls for intensified military action against criminal groups in the North-West.
According to Danja, troops have since stepped up operations through aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-driven raids, cordon-and-search missions, and clearance operations targeting known terrorist hideouts and criminal enclaves across the area.
He disclosed that troops recorded notable successes during operations around the Dikkawa Hills and adjoining communities.
“Troops carried out clearance operations on identified terrorist hideouts in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa areas, where several criminal enclaves were searched and combed,” he stated.
The military spokesman added that troops discovered and destroyed terrorists’ logistics hubs and life-support structures during the offensive, dealing a significant blow to the operational capabilities of the criminal groups.
He noted that the operation is being conducted in collaboration with sister security services, other security agencies, and local stakeholders to enhance security and restore stability in affected communities.
Danja reassured residents of Matazu and neighbouring areas that the military remains committed to protecting lives and property while denying terrorists and bandits any safe haven.
He also urged members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing credible and timely intelligence, assuring that all information would be handled with utmost confidentiality.
“The troops will sustain pressure on terrorists and bandits until all operational objectives are achieved,” he said.
The latest offensive underscores the military’s determination to dismantle criminal networks operating across Katsina and other parts of the North-West as security forces intensify efforts to restore peace in the region.
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