Operation FANSAN YAMMA Launches Major Offensive Against Terrorist Networks

The Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has launched Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV, a coordinated offensive aimed at crushing terrorist and armed criminal networks and preventing their expansion across the region.

The operation combines ground and air operations across the North-West to degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt their movements and logistics, and deny them opportunities to establish operational footholds in communities.

The Theatre Command said the offensive had already intensified operations in Katsina and Zamfara states.

“Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV is a simultaneous and deliberate offensive operation 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,” the command said.

In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 on Wednesday, 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. Clearance operations are ongoing in the general area,” the statement said.

In Zamfara State, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out precision strikes following credible intelligence on the movement and convergence of terrorists on motorcycles in Anka Local Government Area.

The command said the strikes “neutralised scores of terrorists”, forcing survivors to abandon their motorcycles and flee into surrounding bushes.

“The Air Component subsequently acquired and engaged the rest of the terrorists,” it added.

A key component of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV is the containment and dismantling of the Lakurawa terrorist network, with the military seeking to prevent the infiltration and reinforcement of its elements into Nigeria.

“The operation is designed to prevent the infiltration and reinforcement of Lakurawa elements into Nigeria while denying the group the opportunity to exploit border areas as corridors for movement, logistics and the establishment of enclaves,” the command said.

The operation will also target terrorist elements operating around the River Niger axis and Kainji Lake National Park.

“The operation further seeks to block the activities of terrorist elements operating around the River Niger axis and the Kainji Lake National Park, thereby preventing them from using the area as a platform for projecting violence into adjoining communities and other parts of the North-West,” the statement said.

The Theatre Command said the launch of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV underscored its “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,” it said.

The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North-West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA.