Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have launched a major offensive operation in Katsina State aimed at tracking down terrorists and bandits responsible for the abduction and killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.
The operation, code-named Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, commenced on June 14, 2026, targeting criminal elements operating within Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
According to the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the offensive was initiated following the tragic incident involving the retired army general, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists and bandits in the area.
He said the operation is designed to locate and neutralize the perpetrators, dismantle criminal networks, and restore security across affected communities.
Since the commencement of the operation, troops have carried out aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-driven raids, cordon-and-search missions, and clearance operations across identified terrorist hideouts and suspected criminal enclaves within the Joint Operations Area.
Danja disclosed that troops recorded significant successes during operations in the Dikkawa Hills and surrounding communities.
He said clearance missions conducted in Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa led to the discovery and destruction of several terrorist hideouts, logistics bases, and life-support structures used by the criminal groups.
The military spokesperson noted that the operation is being conducted in close collaboration with other security agencies, sister services, and local stakeholders whose support has continued to enhance ongoing efforts to improve security in the state.
He reassured residents of Matazu and neighbouring communities that troops remain committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of movement within the region.
The task force 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 received would be treated confidentially.
Operation Fansan Yamma stated that troops would sustain pressure on terrorist and bandit groups until all operational objectives are achieved and security is fully restored in the affected areas.
