The Defence Headquarters Joint Task Force North West has launched a fresh major offensive named ‘Operation Clean Sweep III’ across Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities in Katsina State.
In a statement by Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the JTF North West under Operation Fansan Yamma, the operation is in direct response to the abduction and death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.
According to the statement, the operation, which kicked off on Saturday, June 14, 2026, aims to hunt down and eliminate the bandits responsible for the retired general’s kidnap and subsequent death in captivity, while dismantling their operational networks in the region.
The statement further stated that troops have already carried out intensive fighting patrols, intelligence-driven raids, cordon-and-search operations, and clearance exercises in identified criminal hideouts.
“We have launched ‘Operation Clean Sweep III’ across Katsina state.
“Significant gains have been recorded around Dikkawa Hills, Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa areas, where several terrorist camps, logistics hubs, and support facilities were destroyed,” the statement said.
