Troops destroy terrorists hideouts where retired Maj General Rabe died

Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma (JTF NW OPFY) have commenced a deliberate offensive operation, code-named Operation Clean Sweep III, targeting terrorist and bandit elements operating within Matazu Local Government Area and adjoining communities in Katsina State.

The operation was launched following the unfortunate incident that led to the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists and bandits in the area, JTF NW OPFY spokesperson Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja said in a statement on Monday.

“The operation is aimed at locating and neutralizing the perpetrators of the heinous act, dismantling criminal networks and restoring security within the affected communities.

“Since the commencement of the operation on 14 June 2026, troops have conducted aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions across identified criminal hideouts and suspected terrorist enclaves within the Joint Operations Area (JOA).

“In the course of the ongoing offensive, troops recorded notable successes in the Dikkawa Hills general area and surrounding communities. Troops conducted clearance operations on identified terrorist hideouts in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa areas, where several criminal enclaves were searched and combed.

“During the operations, terrorists’ life-support structures and logistics bases were discovered and destroyed, further degrading the criminals’ ability to operate within the area.

“The operation is being conducted in close collaboration with sister services, other security agencies and local stakeholders whose support continues to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts aimed at improving security within the state.

“The Theatre Command JTF OPFY wishes to reassure the good people of Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities that troops remain committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of action within the region,” the statement said.

It urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in tracking and apprehending terrorists and criminal elements.

“All information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality. Troops will continue to sustain pressure on criminal elements until the operational objectives are fully achieved. Further updates will be provided as the operation progresses,” the statement added.