Troops Take Action Against Terrorists in Katsina

Troops from the Joint Task Force North West, called Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have started a big operation against terrorists and bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. They have destroyed many criminal hideouts and bases during ongoing operations.

The military said this operation, named Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, began on June 14, 2026. This followed the kidnapping of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife by suspected terrorists in the area.

The Joint Task Force aims to catch those behind the attack, break up criminal groups, and restore safety in affected communities.

Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer for Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said troops have been doing intense patrols, intelligence-led raids, and searches across known terrorist areas. They are also carrying out clearance missions.

Danja mentioned that troops have seen great success in the Dikkawa Hills area and nearby communities, where they found and destroyed several terrorist hideouts.

"Since the start of the operation on June 14, 2026, troops have conducted aggressive patrols, intelligence-led raids, and searches in identified criminal hideouts and suspected terrorist areas," he said.

He also noted that clearance operations took place in Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa communities, leading to the destruction of the terrorists’ support systems.

"During the operations, we discovered and destroyed terrorists' life-support structures and logistics bases, which further weakens their ability to operate in the area," Danja stated.

The military spokesman pointed out that the operation works closely with other security agencies and local groups to boost security efforts across Katsina State.

"We are working together with sister services, other security agencies, and local stakeholders. Their support is very important to our ongoing efforts to improve security in the state," he said.

He assured the people of Matazu and nearby areas that the military is dedicated to protecting lives and property. They want to stop terrorists and bandits from acting freely in the region.

"The Theatre Command wants to reassure the good people of Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities that troops are committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and stopping terrorists and bandits from moving freely in the region," Danja added.

He also urged the public to keep giving useful and timely information to security agencies. He promised that all information would be kept confidential.

According to him, troops will keep the pressure on criminal groups until the goals of the operation are fully met, and more updates will come as the operation goes on.

On Saturday, the Katsina State Government confirmed Abubakar’s death. They said he died from complications related to diabetes and hypertension while being held captive.