Abuja, Nigeria — August 14, 2026
The Nigerian military has launched a fresh offensive against terrorists and armed criminal groups operating across the North-West, with security forces stepping up coordinated ground and air operations under Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV.
The operation is being conducted by the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and is aimed at disrupting terrorist networks, degrading their operational capabilities, cutting off their movements and logistics, and preventing them from establishing new footholds in communities across the region.
According to the Theatre Command’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the offensive has already resulted in intensified military activities in parts of Katsina and Zamfara states.
In Katsina State, troops of Sector 2 conducted a clearance operation on August 12 around suspected terrorist enclaves in Dutsinma Local Government Area. The military said the operation mounted significant pressure on the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their positions and withdraw into surrounding bushes, while clearance operations continued in the area.
In Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out precision strikes following intelligence indicating the movement and convergence of terrorists on motorcycles.
The military said the strikes neutralised scores of terrorists, while survivors abandoned their motorcycles and fled into surrounding bushes. Air assets subsequently tracked and engaged some of the fleeing elements, according to the Theatre Command.
Lakurawa Network Targeted
A major focus of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV is the containment and dismantling of the Lakurawa terrorist network, with the military seeking to prevent its elements from infiltrating and reinforcing their presence in Nigeria.
The operation is also targeting terrorist activities around the River Niger axis and Kainji Lake National Park, areas the military says could potentially be exploited as corridors for movement, logistics and the establishment of operational enclaves.
The Joint Task Force said the latest offensive demonstrates the military's determination to maintain sustained pressure on terrorist and criminal elements operating across the North-West.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilian communities, safeguarding Nigeria's territorial integrity and preventing terrorist groups from regrouping, reinforcing their ranks or establishing new operational bases.
Security authorities have continued to stress that military operations must be complemented by cooperation from communities and other government institutions to achieve lasting security in the region.
Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV is expected to continue across identified threat areas as Nigerian security forces intensify efforts to disrupt terrorist networks and restore peace to affected communities.
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