Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has launched a major military operation in Katsina State following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists in Matazu Local Government Area.
The operation, code-named Operation Clean Sweep III, is being conducted by the Joint Task Force North West under Operation Fansan Yamma and is aimed at tracking down those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks and improving security across affected communities.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Media Information Officer of JTF North West, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the offensive began on June 14, 2026, with troops carrying out intelligence-led raids, fighting patrols, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions across identified terrorist enclaves.
According to the military, early operations recorded successes around the Dikkawa Hills and surrounding communities.
“Clearance missions conducted in Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa led to the discovery and destruction of several terrorist hideouts, logistics bases, and other life-support structures used by the criminal groups, further weakening their operational capabilities,” the statement said.
The operation comes a day after the late retired general was buried in Katsina.
He was laid to rest on Sunday at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery following funeral prayers attended by family members, military personnel and other mourners.
The military said the operation is being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, sister services and local stakeholders to strengthen security efforts in the state.
The Theatre Command assured residents of Matazu and neighbouring communities of its commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging members of the public to provide credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
It added that troops would sustain pressure on terrorist and bandit groups until the objectives of Operation Clean Sweep III are fully achieved.
