By Ado Oyeyemi
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified operations against terrorists and bandits in Katsina State, destroying several hideouts and logistics bases during a major security offensive in Matazu Local Government Area.
The military said the operation, codenamed Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, was launched on June 14 as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace in communities affected by banditry and terrorism.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said troops were carrying out coordinated fighting patrols, intelligence-driven raids, cordon-and-search exercises and clearance missions across identified criminal enclaves.
According to him, significant breakthroughs were recorded in the Dikkawa Hills axis and adjoining communities, where troops uncovered and destroyed several camps used by suspected terrorists.
Danja disclosed that security forces also conducted extensive clearance operations in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa communities, targeting facilities believed to be supporting criminal activities in the area.
He said the offensive led to the destruction of logistics hubs and other support structures used by the armed groups, weakening their operational capacity and limiting their movement within the affected locations.
The military spokesman noted that the operation was being executed in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the armed forces to protecting residents and preventing terrorists and bandits from operating freely in Matazu and neighbouring communities.
Danja also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, assuring residents that all intelligence received would be handled with utmost confidentiality.
He added that troops would sustain pressure on criminal elements until the objectives of the operation were fully achieved, while further updates would be provided as the exercise progresses.
