KEY POINTS

• Military launches Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV.
• Lakurawa networks targeted across the North-West.
• Air and ground operations have recorded gains.

The Nigerian military has launched a major security operation targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group and other armed elements operating around the River Niger and Kainji Lake National Park axis.

The operation, known as Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV, is being conducted as part of the military’s broader effort to prevent terrorists from establishing bases, moving supplies and expanding their activities across communities in the North-West.

Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, media information officer for Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, announced the operation on Thursday.

He said a major objective is to contain and dismantle the Lakurawa network while preventing its members from infiltrating or receiving reinforcements through border areas.

The military is also seeking to stop terrorist groups operating around the River Niger and Kainji Lake National Park from using the areas as operational corridors to launch attacks against neighbouring communities and other parts of the North-West.

According to the military, Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV involves coordinated ground and air operations against identified terrorist threats.

The offensive is aimed at weakening terrorist capabilities, disrupting their movements and logistics, and preventing them from establishing permanent footholds within local communities.

The military said the operation has already resulted in intensified activities across the theatre, with troops recording gains against terrorist elements.

Troops clear terrorist positions in Katsina

In Katsina State, troops from Sector 2 conducted a clearance operation on August 12 around suspected terrorist hideouts in the Dutsinma Local Government Area.

The operation reportedly forced the terrorists to abandon their positions and retreat into surrounding bushes.

The military said clearance operations are continuing in the wider area as troops work to prevent the group from regrouping.

In Zamfara State, the military said credible intelligence revealed the movement and gathering of terrorists travelling on motorcycles in Anka Local Government Area.

The Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA subsequently carried out precision strikes against the group.

The military said the strikes neutralised scores of terrorists and forced others to abandon their motorcycles and flee into surrounding areas. Air assets reportedly continued efforts to locate and engage fleeing members of the group.

The military said Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV reflects its determination to respond proactively to evolving terrorist threats across the North-West.

It said the operation would focus on denying terrorist groups the opportunity to regroup, receive reinforcements, establish operational bases or use border areas and remote locations as launchpads for attacks.

The military also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilian communities and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.