Military forces free widowed spouse of deceased high-ranking officer during operation in Katsina

The Nigerian Army, backed by the Nigerian Air Force, successfully rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, the widow of late Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar, from her captors on Monday, following a series of intensified search-and-rescue efforts by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.

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The Defence Headquarters disclosed that the rescue operation was carried out after troops made contact with the kidnappers at Tunga Village, where they had been hiding, and the bandits subsequently shot Mrs Abubakar before fleeing from the advancing troops.

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A statement issued by the Director Defence Information, Maj Gen Samaila Uba, revealed that the rescue operation was the result of sustained offensive operations against criminal elements in the area, which led to the recovery of Mrs Abubakar, who was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment.

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According to Uba, Mrs Abubakar is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria has assured that it will provide all necessary support to ensure her recovery and assist her family during this difficult period.

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The military has also vowed to sustain operations aimed at apprehending those responsible for the abduction and other criminal activities, with the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria committed to ensuring Mrs Abubakar's full recovery and providing support to her family.

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The late Maj Gen Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, had died in captivity after he and his wife were abducted by bandits in Katsina State, prompting the launch of a major offensive against terrorists and bandits in the area.

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Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have launched a major offensive, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, which commenced on June 14, 2026, aiming to destroy terrorist and bandit hideouts and logistics bases in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

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A statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, revealed that troops have been carrying out aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations, and clearance missions across identified terrorist enclaves within the joint operations area.

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Significant successes have been recorded in the Dikkawa Hills area and neighbouring communities, where several terrorist hideouts were discovered and destroyed, according to Danja, who added that clearance operations were conducted in Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa communities.

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The operation has led to the destruction of terrorists' support structures and logistics bases, further degrading their ability to operate within the area, with the military spokesman noting that the operation is being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders.

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The military has reassured residents of Matazu and surrounding communities of its commitment to protecting lives and property and preventing terrorists and bandits from operating freely in the region, with the operation being conducted to strengthen security efforts across Katsina State.

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Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have overpowered suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi State, recovering a cache of high-calibre weapons, improvised explosive devices, and other equipment during a major offensive operation carried out on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

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The operation was conducted in the Dogon Daji area of Dandi Local Government Area, as part of ongoing military efforts to eliminate terrorist and criminal elements operating across the North-West region, with troops engaging the terrorists in a fierce encounter and forcing them to abandon their camp and flee.

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A statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, revealed that troops deployed superior firepower against the terrorists, overwhelming them and compelling them to retreat from their positions.

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The troops immediately launched an aggressive pursuit operation along the terrorists' escape routes, leading to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, explosives, and logistics equipment abandoned by the fleeing suspects, including rocket-propelled grenade launch tubes and several RPG warheads.

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Other items recovered during the operation included multiple improvised explosive devices, two motorcycles used by the terrorists for mobility, battery chargers, and other personal belongings, with Osoba stating that the troops emerged from the engagement unscathed, with zero casualties recorded.