Troops Strike Back After General’s Death, Smash Terrorists’ Hideouts In Katsina

The military has launched a major offensive against terrorists and bandits in parts of Katsina State following the abduction and killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, recording early successes with the destruction of several criminal hideouts and logistics bases.

The operation, codenamed Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, is being conducted by troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA across Matazu Local Government Area and adjoining communities.

Military authorities said the offensive was initiated to track down those responsible for the retired general’s death, dismantle criminal networks and restore security in affected areas.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops commenced the operation on June 14 and have since carried out “aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions” across identified criminal enclaves within the area of operations.

The military disclosed that troops achieved notable successes in the Dikkawa Hills general area and neighbouring communities, where several suspected terrorist camps were searched and cleared.

The statement said operations were conducted in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa areas, leading to the destruction of facilities used by the criminal groups.

“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,” the statement said.

It added that “terrorists’ life-support structures and logistics bases were discovered and destroyed,” a development the military believes will significantly weaken the ability of the criminals to sustain operations within the area.

The task force said the operation is being undertaken in collaboration with sister services, other security agencies and local stakeholders whose support has contributed to efforts aimed at improving security across the state.

Reassuring residents of Matazu and neighbouring communities, the military pledged to sustain pressure on terrorist and bandit groups until operational objectives are fully achieved.

“Troops remain committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of action within the region,” the statement noted.

The military also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information capable of assisting security agencies in tracking and apprehending criminal elements, assuring that all information received would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Authorities said further updates would be provided as the operation progresses, while troops continue efforts to locate and neutralise those responsible for the killing of the retired senior military officer.