The Defence Headquarters’ Joint Task Force North-West under Operation Fansan Yamma has launched a major offensive, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, against terrorists and bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities in Katsina State.

The operation followed the incident that resulted in the death of retired Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists and bandits in the area.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of JTF North-West Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, the operation commenced on 14 June 2026 with the aim of locating and neutralising those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring security across the affected communities.

The late senior military officer was laid to rest on Sunday at about 6 p.m. at Gidan Dawa Cemetery, opposite his residence in Katsina metropolis, following funeral prayers attended by a large crowd of mourners.

Since the launch of the operation, troops have conducted aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations, and clearance missions across identified terrorist hideouts and suspected criminal enclaves within the Joint Operations Area.

The statement said troops recorded significant successes during operations around the Dikkawa Hills and adjoining communities.

“Clearance missions conducted in Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa led to the discovery and destruction of several terrorist hideouts, logistics bases, and other life-support structures used by the criminal groups, further weakening their operational capabilities,” the statement said.

The military added that the offensive is being carried out in collaboration with sister services, other security agencies, and local stakeholders, whose support has bolstered ongoing efforts to improve security in the state.

The Theatre Command reassured residents of Matazu and surrounding communities of its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of movement within the region.

It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in tracking and apprehending criminal elements, assuring residents that all information received would be treated confidentially.

The command added that troops would sustain pressure on terrorists and bandits until the objectives of Operation Clean Sweep III are fully achieved, adding that further updates would be provided as the operation progresses.