Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have begun a significant onslaught against terrorists and bandits in Katsina State’s Matazu Local Government Area, demolishing multiple criminal hideouts and logistics facilities while clearance operations continue.
The military claimed the operation, dubbed CLEAN SWEEP III, began on June 14, 2026, following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was taken together with his wife by suspected terrorists in the area.
According to the Joint Task Force, the operation aims to find those responsible for the attack, dismantle criminal networks, and restore security in affected communities.
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, stated on Monday that troops have been conducting aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations, and clearance missions across identified terrorist enclaves within the Joint Operations Area.
Danja stated that troops achieved tremendous success in the Dikkawa Hills area and surrounding settlements, where multiple terrorist hideouts were found and destroyed.
“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 within the Joint Operations Area,” he said.
He stated that the Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa areas underwent clearance operations, leading to the dismantling of terrorist support infrastructure.
“During the operations, terrorists’ life-support structures and logistics bases were discovered and destroyed, further degrading the criminals’ ability to operate within the area,” Danja stated.
The military spokesman stated that the operation is being carried out in coordination with other security agencies and local partners to enhance security operations throughout Katsina State.
“The operation is being conducted in close collaboration with sister services, other security agencies, and local stakeholders whose support continues to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts aimed at improving security within the state,” he stated.
He reminded residents of Matazu and the adjacent areas that the military is committed to protecting lives and property while also stopping terrorists and bandits from operating freely in the region.
“The Theatre Command wishes to reassure the good people of Matazu Local Government Area and neighboring communities that troops remain committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of action within the region,” Danja added.
He also urged members of the public to continue submitting credible and timely information to security services, stating that all information will be kept confidential.
According to him, forces will continue to put pressure on criminal groups until the operation’s objectives are met, and more information will be issued as the operation moves forward.
On Saturday, the Katsina State Government confirmed Abubakar’s death.
According to the government, he died of complications from diabetes and hypertension while in prison.
