The military high command has said that troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) have commenced a deliberate offensive operation, code-named Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, targeting terrorist and bandit elements operating within Matazu Local Government Area and adjoining communities in Katsina State.
It explained that the operation was launched following the unfortunate incident that led to the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists and bandits in the area.
According to the statement, “the operation is aimed at locating and neutralizing the perpetrators of the heinous act, dismantling criminal networks and restoring security within the affected communities.”
The statement pointed out that since the commencement of the operation on Saturday, 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 (JOA).
It further explained that in the course of the ongoing offensive, troops recorded notable successes in the Dikkawa Hills general area and surrounding communities.
According to the statement, “Troops conducted clearance operations on identified terrorist hideouts in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa areas, where several criminal enclaves were searched and combed.”