Nigeria Launches Operation Clean Sweep III After Bandits Kill Retired General in Katsina

The Defence Headquarters Joint Task Force North West launched Operation Clean Sweep III on Saturday, June 14, 2026, targeting Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities in Katsina State. The operation is a direct response to the kidnapping and death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted and killed while in captivity.

Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the JTF North West, confirmed the development in a statement, framing Operation Clean Sweep III as part of the broader Operation Fansan Yamma campaign already active in the region.

The military's stated objectives are specific. Troops are not just conducting general patrols. According to the statement, the operation is designed to track down and eliminate the bandits responsible for the retired general's death and to dismantle their operational networks across the area.

Forces have already begun cordon-and-search operations, intelligence-driven raids, fighting patrols, and clearance drills targeting known criminal hideouts.

Early results, as reported by the military, include significant gains around four areas: Dikkawa Hills, Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa. The statement says several terrorist camps, logistics hubs, and support facilities have been destroyed in these locations.

"We have launched Operation Clean Sweep III across Katsina State. Significant gains have been recorded around Dikkawa Hills, Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa areas, where several terrorist camps, logistics hubs, and support facilities were destroyed," the statement read.