Army targets terrorist networks in Katsina, Zamfara

The Nigerian military has significantly ramped up its efforts against terrorist and armed criminal groups in Katsina and Zamfara states through Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV. This coordinated offensive, part of the broader Operation FANSAN YAMMA, is designed to dismantle terrorist networks, weaken their operational capacity, and halt the spread of extremist activities across Nigeria's North West region.

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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.”

Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force North West, stated that Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV involves simultaneous ground and air operations targeting identified threats. The objective is to intensify pressure on these elements, disrupt their communication and logistical networks, and prevent them from infiltrating and expanding their operations. The operation has already led to increased military activity throughout the region.

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The operation mounted significant pressure on the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their positions and withdraw into surrounding bushes.

In Katsina State, troops conducted a clearance operation on August 12 around suspected terrorist enclaves in the Dutsinma Local Government Area. This operation successfully pressured terrorists, forcing them to abandon their positions and flee into surrounding bushes, with clearance operations ongoing. Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA executed precision strikes based on intelligence regarding terrorist movements on motorcycles in the Anka Local Government Area. These strikes reportedly neutralized numerous terrorists, causing survivors to abandon their vehicles and escape into the bush, with air assets engaging the remaining elements.

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The Air asset subsequently acquired and engaged the rest of the terrorists.

A primary focus of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV is to contain and dismantle the Lakurawa terrorist network, preventing its infiltration and reinforcement into Nigeria. The military also aims to deny these groups the use of border areas as corridors for movement and logistics, and to prevent them from establishing enclaves. Furthermore, the operation will target terrorist activities near the River Niger and Kainji Lake National Park to stop these areas from being used as bases for attacks on nearby communities and other parts of the North West. Lt. Col. Danja emphasized that the operation underscores the military's "proactive and sustained posture" in confronting evolving terrorist threats.

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The Theatre remains resolute in protecting civilian communities, securing Nigeria’s territorial integrity and denying terrorist eleme