The Nigerian military has 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 regained her freedom during a military rescue operation carried out by troops of the 17 Brigade in Tunga Village, as security forces intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across parts of the North-West.
Military sources disclosed that the rescue mission turned into a fierce confrontation after the bandits reportedly opened fire on advancing troops in an attempt to resist the operation. During the exchange, the kidnappers allegedly shot Mrs. Abubakar before fleeing the scene under sustained military pressure.
Despite the attack, troops succeeded in securing the area and recovering the victim from captivity.
According to security sources, soldiers immediately administered emergency first aid to the injured woman before evacuating her to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
Military authorities confirmed that Mrs. Abubakar sustained gunshot wounds and was bleeding when she was rescued. She is currently receiving medical attention, while doctors continue to monitor her condition.
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The successful operation comes amid heightened military offensives launched following the death of Major General Abubakar, whose passing while in captivity generated widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against armed bandit groups operating across the region.
The retired Army officer had reportedly spent several months in captivity after being abducted by bandits. Security sources indicated that he later died as a result of health complications associated with diabetes and hypertension while still in the custody of his captors.
His death sparked grief across military circles and among Nigerians, with government officials, security experts and members of the public condemning the continued activities of bandit groups responsible for kidnappings, killings and attacks on communities in the North-West.
In response to the incident, the Defence Headquarters Joint Task Force North-West operating under Operation Fansan Yamma launched a major security offensive aimed at tracking down those responsible for the abduction and other criminal activities in Katsina State.
The operation, code-named Operation Clean Sweep III, commenced on June 14 and is focused primarily on Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities identified by intelligence reports as suspected hideouts for criminal elements.
Military sources said the operation forms part of a broader strategy to locate and neutralise bandit leaders, destroy their camps, disrupt their logistics networks and restore lasting security to affected communities.
According to security officials, troops have continued to conduct clearance operations, intelligence-driven raids and surveillance missions across vulnerable areas as part of efforts to weaken the operational capacity of armed groups.
The rescue of Mrs. Abubakar is being viewed as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing campaign against banditry, particularly in the aftermath of the tragic death of her husband.
Military authorities reiterated their determination to sustain pressure on criminal groups across the North-West, stressing that operations would continue until those responsible for kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes are brought to justice.
Security officials further assured residents of Katsina State and neighbouring communities that efforts are being intensified to restore peace, protect lives and property, and prevent further attacks by armed bandits operating within the region.