The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has launched Operation Clean Sweep III in Katsina State, a fresh military offensive targeting the bandits responsible for the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity.
The operation, which began on Sunday, June 14, is focused on Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities. According to a statement by Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North West under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops have already carried out fighting patrols, intelligence-driven raids, cordon-and-search operations, and clearance exercises against identified criminal hideouts.
Danja said the offensive is aimed at hunting down and eliminating the bandits behind Abubakar’s kidnap and subsequent death, while dismantling their operational networks across the region. He added that troops have made significant gains around Dikkawa Hills, Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa, where several terrorist camps, logistics hubs, and support facilities have been destroyed.
Separately, a DHQ delegation on Sunday visited the family of the late Maj. Gen. Abubakar (retd.) and the Katsina State Government to pay condolences. Naija News reports the delegation was led by the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj. Gen. I.M. Abdullahi.
In the statement, Danja said the delegation conveyed condolences from the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. O.O. Oluyede, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the bereaved family, as well as to the government and people of Katsina State.
Speaking at the family residence in Katsina, Abdullahi described the late Abubakar as a dedicated and patriotic officer who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities throughout his military career, noting his significant contributions to the development of the Nigerian Army and the country’s security architecture.
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