The Defense Headquarters’ Joint Task Force North West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, has launched a major offensive operation, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, targeting terrorists and bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities in Katsina State.
The development followed the incident that led to the death of retired Major General 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, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operation commenced on 14 June 2026 to locate and neutralise 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 6:00 p.m. at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery, located opposite his residence in Katsina metropolis, following funeral prayers attended by a large crowd of mourners.
Since its launch, troops said they have carried out 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 noted that troops achieved significant successes during operations around the Dikkawa Hills and nearby communities.
