Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have stepped up operations against terrorist groups in Katsina and Zamfara states as part of efforts to disrupt their networks and prevent them from establishing new bases.
The intensified offensive is being conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV, which combines ground operations and airstrikes against identified terrorist locations and movement routes across the North West.
In Katsina State, troops from Sector 2 conducted a clearance operation around suspected terrorist enclaves in Dutsinma Local Government Area.
The operation reportedly forced the terrorists to abandon their positions and flee into surrounding bushes. Troops have continued mopping-up operations in the area to prevent the fighters from regrouping or returning to the locations.
In Zamfara State, intelligence surveillance reportedly detected a large gathering of terrorists travelling on motorcycles in Anka Local Government Area.
Following the development, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out precision airstrikes on the identified gathering.
The military said several terrorists were neutralised during the strikes, while others abandoned their motorcycles and fled on foot. Follow-up air operations were subsequently conducted against some of those attempting to escape.
Beyond the immediate operations in Katsina and Zamfara, the military said a key objective of CLEAN SWEEP IV is to dismantle the Lakurawa terrorist network and prevent its movement and reinforcement into Nigeria.
The operation is also targeting potential terrorist corridors around the River Niger axis and Kainji Lake National Park, areas identified as possible routes for movement, logistics and attacks on surrounding communities.
The Theatre Command said the ongoing operations demonstrate its commitment to maintaining sustained pressure on terrorist and criminal networks across the North West.
It added that the coordinated deployment of ground troops and air assets would continue as security forces work to disrupt terrorist supply lines, deny them freedom of movement and prevent them from regrouping.
The military assured residents that the offensive would be sustained until the targeted terrorist networks are significantly degraded and their ability to operate in affected communities is curtailed.
