Headquarters of Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) in charge of military operations in Nigeria’s North West region has announced the launch of “Operation Clean Sweep IV,” a simultaneous and deliberate offensive designed to intensify pressure on terrorists and armed criminal elements, disrupt their networks and prevent infiltration and expansion of their activities across the region.
The operation further brings coordinated ground and air campaigns to bear on identified threats across States in the region aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting their movements and logistics, and denying them the opportunity to establish footholds within Nigerian communities.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stressed the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, communities and citizens, saying that military action alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s security challenges.
“You cannot shoot yourself out of this problem. Security requires collaboration between the security agencies, the armed forces and the general public,” he said.
According to a statement by Spokesperson for OPFY, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Operation Clean Sweep IV has already translated into intensified operational activities across the theatre, with troops of Sector 2 in Katsina State on Wednesday conducting a clearance operation around suspected terrorist enclaves along the Dutsinma Local Council Area and compelling the terrorists to withdraw into surrounding bushes.
Stating that clearance operation is ongoing in the general area of the Joint Task Force, Colonel Danja stated that in Zamfara, following credible intelligence on the movement and convergence of terrorists on motorcycles in Anka Local Council Area, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma executed precision strikes, neutralising scores of terrorists, and forcing survivors to abandon their motorcycles and flee into surrounding bushes.
According to him, among others, the major component of Operation Clean Sweep IV is the deliberate effort to contain and dismantle the Lakurawa terrorist network across the theatre and prevent its infiltration and reinforcement in Nigeria and along the border corridors.
In Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation said when Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major-General Adeyinka Famadewa (rtd), paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry, that peace and security are fundamental to national development, noting that the country’s complex security challenges required a coordinated response involving both security forces and civilians.
According to him, government at all levels, communities, the media and citizens have important roles to play in strengthening national security, particularly through intelligence sharing, responsible communication and community engagement.
He also identified fake news, misinformation and disinformation as emerging security threats, warning that false information could undermine public confidence and complicate efforts by security agencies to manage crises.
Earlier, General Famadewa said the visit was aimed at establishing a stronger working relationship between his office and the ministry, particularly in the areas of public education and strategic communication.
He said information had become an important component of modern homeland security, especially in dealing with asymmetric threats and shaping public understanding during security crises.
