The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Joint Task Force North West has launched a major military offensive, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, following the abduction and killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar by bandits in Katsina State.
The operation, which commenced on Sunday, June 14, 2026, is being conducted across Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities, with the primary objective of tracking down and neutralizing those responsible for the retired general’s abduction and death, while dismantling criminal networks operating within the region.
In a statement issued on Monday, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the JTF North West under Operation Fansan Yamma, disclosed that troops have intensified combat operations through fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search missions, and clearance exercises targeting identified bandit enclaves.
According to the military, substantial successes have already been recorded in the Dikkawa Hills, Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa axis, where several terrorist camps, logistics bases, and support structures were destroyed.
The DHQ reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security across the North-West and ensuring that those responsible for violent crimes against citizens are brought to justice.
