By Monsurat Abisoye
Troops of the Nigerian Army, backed by the Nigerian Air Force, have rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, widow of late Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside her husband by bandits in Katsina State several weeks ago.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed on Monday that the rescue followed intensified search-and-rescue efforts by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma. According to the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, troops engaged the kidnappers at Tunga Village during ongoing offensives against criminal groups.
The military said the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing under pressure from advancing troops. She was evacuated to a military hospital and is responding to treatment. The Armed Forces pledged continued support for her recovery and vowed to apprehend those responsible for the abduction and other criminal activities.
Major General Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, died in captivity after he and his wife were kidnapped by bandits in Katsina State.
Meanwhile, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma have launched Operation Clean Sweep III in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State following the retired general’s death. Since the operation began on 14 June 2026, troops have carried out fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, and clearance missions across identified terrorist hideouts.
According to the operation’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, several terrorist camps, logistics bases, and support structures were destroyed in Dikkawa Hills and nearby communities, including Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa.
In a separate operation in Kebbi State, troops of Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma overpowered suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Dogon Daji, Dandi Local Government Area. The terrorists fled after a fierce gun battle, abandoning weapons and equipment.
The military recovered rocket-propelled grenade launch tubes, RPG warheads, improvised explosive devices, two motorcycles, battery chargers, and other items. Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba said no casualties were recorded among the troops.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies and local stakeholders to tackle terrorism and banditry across the North-West region.
