Troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have launched a large-scale offensive against terrorists and bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, destroying several hideouts and logistics bases used by criminal groups.
The military said the operation, tagged Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, began on June 14, 2026, following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was kidnapped alongside his wife by suspected terrorists in the area.
According to the military, the operation is aimed at hunting down those responsible for the attack, dismantling their networks and restoring peace to affected communities.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said troops had been carrying out aggressive patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions across identified terrorist enclaves.
He disclosed that troops recorded major successes around the Dikkawa Hills and nearby communities, where several hideouts belonging to terrorists were uncovered and destroyed.
“Since the commencement of the operation on June 14, troops have conducted aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions across identified criminal hideouts and suspected terrorist enclaves,” Danja said.
He added that communities such as Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa had been cleared during the operation, leading to the destruction of structures and logistics bases used by the criminals.
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According to him, the operation is being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen efforts to improve security in Katsina State.
“The operation is being conducted in close collaboration with sister services, other security agencies and local stakeholders whose support has contributed significantly to ongoing efforts to improve security within the state,” he said.
The military reassured residents of Matazu and surrounding communities of its determination to protect lives and property and deny terrorists and bandits the freedom to operate.
Danja also urged members of the public to continue providing useful information to security agencies, assuring that all intelligence received would be handled confidentially.
He said troops would sustain pressure on criminal elements until the objectives of the operation are fully achieved.
Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar died while in captivity after reportedly suffering complications related to diabetes and hypertension. His death was confirmed by the Katsina State Government on Saturday.
