Troops demolish militant strongholds in Katsina region

A major military operation has been launched by the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, targeting terrorists and bandits, and resulting in the destruction of numerous criminal hideouts and logistics bases during ongoing clearance operations.

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The operation, known as Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, began on June 14, 2026, in response to the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by suspected terrorists in the area along with his wife.

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The primary objectives of the operation are to track down those responsible for the attack, dismantle existing criminal networks, and restore security to affected communities, according to the Joint Task Force.

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As part of the operation, troops have been conducting aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations, and clearance missions across identified terrorist enclaves within the Joint Operations Area, as stated by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

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Troops have achieved significant successes in the Dikkawa Hills area and neighbouring communities, where several terrorist hideouts were discovered and destroyed, according to Danja.

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Since the operation commenced on June 14, 2026, troops have carried out various operations, including 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.

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Clearance operations were conducted in Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa communities, resulting in the destruction of terrorists' support structures, further degrading their ability to operate in the area.

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Danja noted that during the operations, terrorists' life-support structures and logistics bases were discovered and destroyed, which will hinder the criminals' ability to operate within the area.

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The operation is being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security efforts across Katsina State, according to the military spokesman.

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The operation is being conducted in close collaboration with sister services, other security agencies, and local stakeholders, whose support has significantly contributed to ongoing efforts to improve security within the state, Danja said.

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The Theatre Command has reassured residents of Matazu and surrounding communities that troops remain committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and preventing terrorists and bandits from operating freely in the region.

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Danja added that the military is dedicated to protecting lives and property, and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of action within the region, as the operation progresses.

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The military has called on members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, assuring that all information will be treated confidentially.

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Troops will maintain pressure on criminal elements until the objectives of the operation are fully achieved, with further updates to be provided as the operation progresses, according to Danja.

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On Saturday, the Katsina State Government confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.