Troops Destroy Terrorist Hideouts in Katsina After General Rabe’s Death

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified military operations against terrorists and bandits in Katsina State, destroying several criminal hideouts and logistics bases during ongoing clearance missions.

The military said the operation, codenamed Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, commenced on June 14, 2026, following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists in Matazu Local Government Area.

According to the military, the offensive is designed to track down those responsible for the attack, dismantle terrorist networks and restore security in affected communities.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Aliyu Danja, said troops had been conducting aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions across identified terrorist strongholds.

“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,” Danja stated.

He disclosed that troops recorded significant successes around the Dikkawa Hills axis and nearby communities where multiple terrorist camps were discovered and dismantled.

The military also carried out clearance operations in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa communities, targeting locations believed to be used by criminal groups for planning attacks and storing supplies.

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

The spokesman explained that the operation is being undertaken in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen security efforts across Katsina State.

He reassured residents of Matazu and neighbouring communities that the military remains committed to protecting lives and property while denying terrorists and bandits freedom of movement.

Danja also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, assuring them that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

The military pledged to sustain pressure on criminal elements until all operational objectives are achieved and normalcy is fully restored across affected areas.