Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation Fansan Yamma have launched a major offensive against terrorists and bandits in Katsina State, destroying suspected criminal hideouts and logistics bases during ongoing clearance operations across Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
The operation, codenamed “Operation Clean Sweep III”, was initiated following the abduction and killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar by suspected terrorists and bandits in the area.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt Aliyu Danja, the operation is aimed at tracking down those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks and restoring security to affected communities.
The military said troops commenced the offensive on June 14, deploying aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions across identified terrorist enclaves and criminal hideouts within the Joint Operations Area.
During the operations, troops conducted targeted clearance missions in the Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa areas, where several suspected terrorist camps and hideouts were searched and dismantled.
Security forces also discovered and destroyed structures used by the criminal groups for logistics support and sustenance.
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The military disclosed that the destruction of the facilities is expected to significantly weaken the operational capability of terrorists and bandits operating within the area.
Operation Fansan Yamma reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents and denying criminal elements freedom of action throughout the North-West region.
The military assured residents of Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities that troops would sustain pressure on terrorists and bandits until the objectives of the operation are fully achieved.
The military also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible and timely intelligence that could assist security agencies in identifying, tracking and apprehending criminal elements.
The military noted that all information provided by residents will be treated with strict confidentiality.
