LATE RABE ABUBAKAR: Operation CLEAN SWEEP III Begins as Troops Intensify Offensive Against Bandits in Matazu Axis
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West (JTF NW) under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have commenced a major offensive operation in Katsina State, destroying several terrorist hideouts and logistics bases as part of efforts to track down those responsible for the abduction and killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.
The military operation, codenamed Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, is being conducted in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities, where armed bandits and terrorist elements have been operating.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the offensive was launched following the incident in which the retired senior military officer was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists and bandits.
The statement said the operation is aimed at locating and neutralising those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks and restoring security across the affected communities.
Since the commencement of the operation on June 14, troops have carried out aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-driven raids, cordon-and-search missions and clearance operations across identified criminal hideouts and suspected terrorist enclaves within the Joint Operations Area.
Read Also:
The military reported significant operational gains in the Dikkawa Hills area and surrounding communities, where troops conducted clearance missions targeting terrorist strongholds in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa.
During the operations, security forces reportedly discovered and destroyed several terrorist life-support facilities and logistics bases, a development military authorities said has further weakened the operational capabilities of criminal groups in the area.
The task force noted that the operation is being conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, sister services and local stakeholders, whose support has contributed to ongoing efforts to improve security across the state.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting residents, the theatre command assured the people of Matazu Local Government Area and adjoining communities that troops would continue to deny terrorists and bandits freedom of movement and action within the region.
The military also appealed to members of the public to provide credible and timely intelligence that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending criminal elements, assuring that all information received would be treated confidentially.
“The troops will continue to sustain pressure on criminal elements until the operational objectives are fully achieved,” the statement added.
Military authorities said further updates on the operation would be provided as activities progress.
By PRNigeria
