The Nigerian military has launched a large-scale offensive across parts of Katsina State following the abduction and killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar by armed bandits.
The Defence Headquarters Joint Task Force North West said the operation, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, commenced on Sunday in Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities, targeting the criminal groups linked to the retired officer’s kidnapping and death.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operation is designed to track down the perpetrators, dismantle their operational networks, and restore security across the affected areas.
Troops have since launched coordinated fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search missions, and clearance operations against identified bandit enclaves, the military said.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed that security forces have already recorded significant operational successes around Dikkawa Hills, Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa, where several terrorist camps, logistics bases and support facilities were destroyed during the offensive.
The military said the ongoing operation forms part of broader efforts under Operation Fansan Yamma to degrade armed groups operating in Nigeria’s North West and prevent further attacks on communities.
