Military Launches Operation Clean Sweep III After Killing of Retired General in Katsina

The Defence Headquarters’ Joint Task Force North West, operating under Operation Fansan Yamma, has launched a major security offensive known as Operation Clean Sweep III to combat terrorists and bandits in Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities of Katsina State.

The operation was initiated following the abduction of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife by suspected bandits, an incident that resulted in the former military officer’s death.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Media Information Officer of JTF North West Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the operation began on June 14, 2026, with the objective of tracking down those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace to affected communities.

Major General Abubakar was buried on Sunday at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery in Katsina after funeral prayers attended by family members, friends and other mourners.

According to the military, troops have since intensified operations through aggressive patrols, intelligence-driven raids, cordon-and-search missions and clearance exercises targeting identified terrorist camps and criminal hideouts across the area.

Security forces recorded notable successes around the Dikkawa Hills and neighbouring communities, where several terrorist hideouts, logistics hubs and support structures were discovered and destroyed during operations in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa communities.

The military stated that the destruction of these facilities has significantly weakened the operational capacity of criminal groups operating in the region.

Operation Clean Sweep III is being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, sister military services and local stakeholders to strengthen ongoing efforts aimed at improving security across Katsina State.

The Theatre Command assured residents of Matazu and neighbouring communities that security forces remain committed to protecting lives and property while denying terrorists and bandits any freedom of movement within the area.

Residents were also encouraged to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, with assurances that all information supplied would be treated with strict confidentiality.

The military further pledged to maintain sustained pressure on criminal elements until the objectives of Operation Clean Sweep III are fully achieved.