The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), through the Joint Task Force North West under Operation Fansan Yamma, has commenced a large-scale military operation tagged Operation Clean Sweep III to combat terrorists and bandits in Matazu Local Government Area and nearby communities in Katsina State.
The operation was initiated after the abduction of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife by suspected terrorists and bandits, an incident that resulted in the retired officer’s death.
In a statement released on Monday, the Media Information Officer of JTF North West Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the operation officially began on June 14, 2026. According to him, the mission aims to track down those responsible for the attack, dismantle their criminal networks, and restore peace across the affected areas.
Major General Abubakar was buried on Sunday at approximately 6:00 p.m. at Gidan Dawa Cemetery, opposite his residence in Katsina metropolis. The funeral prayers were attended by a large number of mourners.
Since the launch of the operation, troops have carried out intensive fighting patrols, intelligence-driven raids, cordon-and-search exercises, and clearance operations targeting identified terrorist hideouts and suspected criminal camps within the joint operations area.
Military authorities reported notable successes, particularly around the Dikkawa Hills and surrounding communities. They stated that clearance operations conducted in Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa led to the discovery and destruction of several terrorist camps, logistics bases, and support structures used by the criminal groups, thereby weakening their activities.
The DHQ noted that the offensive is being executed in collaboration with other security agencies, sister services, and local stakeholders, whose cooperation has strengthened efforts to improve security in the state.
The Theatre Command reassured residents of Matazu and neighbouring communities of its determination to protect law-abiding citizens and prevent terrorists and bandits from operating freely in the region.
It also appealed to members of the public to provide credible and timely intelligence that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending criminal elements, assuring them that all information received would be treated with confidentiality.
The command added that military operations would continue until the objectives of Operation Clean Sweep III are fully achieved and promised to provide further updates as the mission progresses.