The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has launched a major military offensive, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, in parts of Katsina State following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by suspected terrorists alongside his wife.
The operation, being conducted by the Joint Task Force North West under Operation Fansan Yamma, commenced on June 14 and targets terrorists and bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
In a statement on Monday, the Media Information Officer of JTF North West, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the operation aims to track down and neutralise those responsible for the attack on the retired senior military officer, dismantle criminal networks and restore security across the affected areas.
According to the military, troops have intensified fighting patrols, intelligence-driven raids, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions across identified terrorist enclaves within the joint operations area.
Danja disclosed that troops recorded significant gains during operations around the Dikkawa Hills and neighbouring 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,” he said.
Major General Abubakar was buried on Sunday at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery in Katsina after funeral prayers attended by family members, military personnel and other mourners.
The military said the offensive is being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security efforts in the state.
The Theatre Command reassured residents of Matazu and nearby communities of its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to continue providing credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
It added that troops would sustain pressure on terrorists and bandits until the objectives of Operation Clean Sweep III are fully achieved.
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