Army targets terrorist networks in Katsina, Zamfara
August 13, 2026 4:07 pm
Nigerian Army logo. Photo: Army
The Nigerian military has intensified operations against terrorist and armed criminal groups in Katsina and Zamfara states as part of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North West, said the operation is a coordinated offensive aimed at disrupting terrorist networks, degrading their capabilities and preventing the infiltration and expansion of terrorist activities across the North West.
In a statement on Thursday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV involves simultaneous ground and air operations against identified threats in the region.
He said the operation was designed to “intensify pressure on terrorist and armed criminal elements, disrupt their networks and prevent infiltration and expansion of terrorist activities across the North West.”
According to him, the operation has already led to intensified military activity across the Theatre.
In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 on August 12 conducted a clearance operation around suspected terrorist enclaves in Dutsinma Local Government Area.
“The operation mounted significant pressure on the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their positions and withdraw into surrounding bushes,” Danja said, adding that the clearance operation was still ongoing in the general area.
In Zamfara State, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted precision strikes following intelligence on the movement and convergence of terrorists on motorcycles in Anka Local Government Area.
Danja said the strikes neutralised scores of terrorists and forced survivors to abandon their motorcycles and flee into surrounding bushes.
“The Air asset subsequently acquired and engaged the rest of the terrorists,” he said.
The Theatre Command said a major focus of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV is to contain and dismantle the Lakurawa terrorist network across the North West.
It said the operation is also aimed at preventing the infiltration and reinforcement of Lakurawa elements into Nigeria and denying them the use of border areas as corridors for movement, logistics and the establishment of enclaves.
The military further said the operation would target terrorist activities around the River Niger axis and the Kainji Lake National Park to prevent the areas from being used as platforms for attacks on adjoining communities and other parts of the North West.
Danja said the launch of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV underscored the military’s “proactive and sustained posture” in confronting evolving terrorist threats across the region.
“The Theatre remains resolute in protecting civilian communities, securing Nigeria’s territorial integrity and denying terrorist elements the opportunity to regroup, reinforce or establish operational footholds,” he said.
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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