Troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have launched an offensive against terrorist and bandit groups operating in parts of Katsina State, destroying several hideouts and logistics bases in the process.

The military operation, code-named Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, commenced on Sunday targeting criminal elements in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities.

According to a statement issued on Monday by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), the offensive followed the abduction and killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was kidnapped alongside his wife by terrorists in the area.

The operation aims to track down and neutralise those responsible for the attack, dismantle criminal networks, and restore security to affected communities.

Military authorities disclosed that troops have since intensified operations through aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search exercises, and clearance missions across identified terrorist enclaves within the Joint Operations Area.

Notable successes were recorded in the Dikkawa Hills axis and surrounding communities, where troops carried out clearance operations in Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa areas.

Several terrorist hideouts were searched, while life-support structures and logistics bases used by the criminals were discovered and destroyed.

The military said the destruction of these facilities is expected to significantly degrade the operational capabilities of terrorist and bandit groups in the region.

The ongoing operation, according to the statement, is being conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies and local stakeholders, whose support has been described as vital to improving security across the state.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting citizens, the Theatre Command of Operation FANSAN YAMMA assured residents of Matazu and neighbouring communities that troops would sustain pressure on criminal elements until operational objectives are fully achieved.

The military also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, assuring that all intelligence received would be treated with utmost confidentiality.