The Nigerian military has launched a fresh offensive against terrorists and armed criminal groups operating across the North-West, as security forces intensify efforts to disrupt their networks and prevent them from establishing new operational bases.

The operation, code-named Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV, is being conducted by the Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY).

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday.

According to Danja, the operation involves coordinated ground and air operations targeting identified terrorist and criminal threats across the North-West.

He said the offensive was designed to degrade the capabilities of terrorist groups, disrupt their movements and logistics, and prevent them from infiltrating communities or establishing operational footholds.

“The launch of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV has already translated into intensified operational activities across the Theatre,” the statement said.

Troops intensify operations in Katsina

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 placed significant pressure on the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their positions and retreat into surrounding bushes.

The clearance operation, according to the statement, is still ongoing.

Air strikes target terrorists in Zamfara

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

The military said the strikes neutralized scores of terrorists and forced survivors to abandon their motorcycles and flee into nearby bushes.

Air assets subsequently tracked and engaged the fleeing terrorists, according to the statement.

Military targets Lakurawa network

Danja said a major focus of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV was the containment and dismantling of the Lakurawa terrorist network across the theatre.

He said the military was working to prevent Lakurawa elements from infiltrating or reinforcing their presence in Nigeria, particularly through border areas used as routes for movement, logistics and the establishment of enclaves.

The operation also targets terrorist activities around the River Niger axis and Kainji Lake National Park, where the military said criminal elements could seek to establish bases from which to launch attacks on surrounding communities.

The Joint Task Force said the offensive reflected the military’s proactive approach to emerging security threats in the North-West.

It added that troops would continue operations aimed at protecting civilian communities, securing Nigeria’s territorial integrity and preventing terrorist groups from regrouping, reinforcing their ranks or establishing new operational footholds.