Troops rescue late Gen. Rabe Abubakar’s Widow after gun battle

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued the widow of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar from bandits’ captivity in Katsina State, days after the retired senior military officer died while being held by his abductors.

Mrs. Abubakar was freed during a military operation conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade in Tunga Village, where security forces engaged the kidnappers in a confrontation as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.

According to military sources, the bandits opened fire during the encounter and reportedly shot Mrs. Abubakar before fleeing under pressure from the advancing troops.

The soldiers subsequently secured the location, rescued the victim and administered emergency first aid before evacuating her for medical attention.

Military authorities disclosed that the widow sustained gunshot injuries and was bleeding when she was recovered from captivity. She is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility, while her condition is being closely monitored.

The rescue comes amid heightened military operations following the death of Major General Abubakar, whose passing in captivity sparked widespread grief and renewed concerns over the activities of armed bandits in parts of the North-West.

The retired Army officer reportedly died from health complications linked to diabetes and hypertension while being held by his abductors after spending several months in captivity.

His death drew condemnation from government officials, security stakeholders and members of the public, many of whom called for intensified action against criminal groups terrorising communities across the region.

In response, the Defence Headquarters’ Joint Task Force North-West under Operation Fansan Yamma launched a major offensive, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, aimed at tracking down those responsible for the abduction and dismantling bandit enclaves in Katsina State.

Military sources said the operation commenced on June 14 and is focused on Matazu Local Government Area and adjoining communities believed to harbour criminal elements.

The operation, according to the military, is designed to locate and neutralise the perpetrators, destroy their operational bases and restore security in affected communities.

Security officials reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining pressure on bandit groups across the North-West, stressing that ongoing operations would continue until criminal networks responsible for kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes are dismantled.