Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have destroyed several terrorist hideouts and logistics bases in Katsina State as part of a major offensive aimed at flushing out bandits and restoring security in troubled communities.
The military said the operation, code-named Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, began on June 14, 2026, in Matazu Local Government Area following the abduction and subsequent death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, an incident that sparked renewed concern over insecurity in the area.
According to the military, the latest operation is designed to track down those responsible for the attack, dismantle criminal networks operating within the area and deny terrorists and bandits the freedom to continue their activities.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
He said troops had been carrying out intensive operations across identified terrorist enclaves within the Joint Operations Area, recording significant successes in the process.
According to Danja, the offensive has involved aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions aimed at rooting out criminal elements hiding in remote locations.
He explained that troops achieved major breakthroughs in the Dikkawa Hills area and neighbouring communities, where several hideouts used by terrorists were discovered 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.
The military spokesman disclosed that clearance operations were also extended to the communities of Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa.
He noted that during the raids, troops uncovered and destroyed facilities used by the terrorists to sustain their activities.
“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.
Military authorities believe that cutting off the supply channels and support structures of criminal groups is crucial to weakening their operational capacity and reducing the frequency of attacks on communities.
The latest offensive comes against the backdrop of rising concerns over insecurity in parts of Katsina State and the wider North-West region, where armed groups have continued to launch attacks on villages, kidnap residents for ransom and target travellers on highways.
Katsina, the home state of President Bola Tinubu’s predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, has remained one of the states heavily affected by banditry despite repeated military operations over the years.
Several local government areas, especially those sharing boundaries with forests stretching into neighbouring states, have witnessed persistent attacks by armed groups.
The death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar has further highlighted the security challenges confronting communities in the state.
The retired senior military officer was reportedly abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists in Matazu area. The incident drew widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger action against armed groups terrorising residents.
Although military authorities did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding his death, they indicated that the ongoing operation was partly triggered by the need to apprehend those responsible and prevent similar attacks.
Danja said the operation was not being carried out by the military alone.
According to him, troops are working closely with other security agencies and local stakeholders to improve the effectiveness of the offensive and enhance intelligence gathering.
“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 said.
He stressed that cooperation between communities and security agencies remained vital in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
The military spokesman reassured residents of Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities that troops remained committed to safeguarding lives and property.
He said every effort was being made to ensure that law-abiding citizens could go about their normal activities without fear.
“The Theatre Command wishes to reassure the good people of Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities that troops remain committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of action within the region,” Danja added.
He appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by volunteering credible and timely information capable of aiding ongoing operations.
According to him, all information provided by residents would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Security agencies have repeatedly highlighted the importance of community support, noting that residents often possess valuable information about suspicious movements and activities within their localities.
Authorities believe that improved intelligence sharing between civilians and security personnel could significantly strengthen ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
Danja assured that troops would sustain the current momentum until all objectives of Operation CLEAN SWEEP III were achieved.
He added that further updates would be provided as the operation progresses.
The renewed military offensive is the latest in a series of efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to tackle insecurity across the North-West zone. While residents have welcomed the destruction of terrorist hideouts, many are hopeful that the operation will bring lasting peace and allow displaced communities to rebuild their lives.
For thousands of people living in vulnerable rural communities across Katsina State, the success of the operation could mean more than just a military victory. It could restore confidence, revive economic activities disrupted by violence and enable farmers to return safely to their farmlands as the rainy season progresses.