Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have begun a major offensive, code-named Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, targeting terrorist and bandit enclaves in Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities in Katsina State.
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Dania, Media Information Officer for the joint task force, confirmed in a statement that the operation was triggered by the recent killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar. The general was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State—an incident that starkly underscored Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
The operation aims to neutralise the perpetrators, dismantle criminal networks, and restore safety to affected communities.
“Since the commencement of the operation on 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,” Lt Col Dania said.
Significant successes have been recorded in the Dikkawa Hills area and surrounding communities. Clearance operations in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa led to the discovery and destruction of several terrorist logistics bases and life-support structures, severely degrading their operational capacity.
The military is working closely with sister services, other security agencies, and local stakeholders to sustain momentum.
Lt Col Dania reassured residents of Matazu and neighbouring communities that troops remain committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists freedom of action. He urged the public to provide credible, timely information to security agencies, promising that all intelligence will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
“Troops will continue to sustain pressure on criminal elements until all operational objectives are fully achieved,” he added.