Nigeria, June 15 -- Nigerian Army troops have launched a major offensive operation in parts of Katsina State, following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who died while in the custody of suspected bandits after being abducted alongside his wife.

The military said the operation, codenamed Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, commenced on Sunday in Matazu Local Government Area and adjoining communities, with troops targeting terrorist and bandit enclaves believed to be operating within the area.

The offensive comes barely days after authorities confirmed the death of Mr Abubakar, whose abduction on 30 May along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli Road in Matazu drew widespread concern across the co...