Soldiers destroy terrorist hideouts in Katsina during operation Clean Sweep iii

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified military operations against terrorists and bandits in Katsina State, destroying several criminal hideouts and logistics bases during ongoing clearance missions in Matazu Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops have continued aggressive combat operations across identified terrorist enclaves.

He said personnel conducted intelligence-led raids, fighting patrols, cordon-and-search exercises, and targeted clearance operations across the Joint Operations Area.

“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 stated.

The military disclosed that the operation, codenamed Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, began on 14 June 2026, following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists in the area.

The operation follows the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, whose passing was confirmed by the Katsina State Government on Saturday.

According to the government, the retired military officer died in captivity from complications related to diabetes and hypertension after being abducted alongside his wife.

According to the Joint Task Force, the operation is targeted at tracking those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring security across affected communities.

Hideouts, logistics bases destroyed

Mr Danja revealed that significant gains were recorded around the Dikkawa Hills axis and neighbouring communities where troops uncovered and destroyed multiple terrorist camps.

Clearance operations also extended into Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa communities.

“During the operations, terrorists’ life-support structures and logistics bases were discovered and destroyed, further degrading the criminals’ ability to operate within the area,” he added.

Military authorities said dismantling these support structures is expected to weaken operational capacity and reduce mobility of criminal groups operating within the region.

Joint security collaboration

The military noted that the offensive is being coordinated with sister security agencies and supported by local stakeholders to improve security outcomes across 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,” Mr Danja stated.

Residents of Matazu and neighbouring communities were assured that troops would maintain pressure on criminal groups and continue operations aimed at denying terrorists and bandits freedom of movement.

Security authorities also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible intelligence, assuring that information received would remain confidential.

Military authorities said operations will continue until all objectives are achieved and additional updates will be communicated as developments unfold.