Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) have launched a major offensive, codenamed Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, targeting terrorist and bandit strongholds in Matazu Local Government Area and adjoining communities of Katsina State.
Spokesman of the theatre command, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed on Monday that the operation was initiated in the aftermath of the abduction and death in captivity of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, and is aimed at tracking down those responsible, dismantling criminal networks and restoring security across the affected communities.
Aliyu stated that since the commencement of the operation on June 14, 2026, troops have carried out aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions across identified terrorist hideouts and criminal enclaves within the Joint Operations Area.
The troops recorded significant gains during clearance operations in the Dikkawa Hills axis and surrounding communities. Military sources said troops raided and cleared suspected terrorist hideouts in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa, where several criminal camps were searched and dismantled.
During the operations, troops discovered and destroyed terrorists’ logistics hubs and life-support structures, further degrading the capacity of the criminal elements to sustain operations in the area.
The offensive is being conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, sister services and local stakeholders whose support has continued to enhance efforts to improve security in the state.
The Theatre Command reassured residents of Matazu and neighbouring communities of the military’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of action across the region.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely intelligence to assist security agencies in tracking and apprehending criminal elements, assuring that all information would be treated confidentially.
The command said troops would sustain pressure on terrorist and bandit groups until the objectives of the operation are fully achieved.
