By Seyi Odewale
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade have rescued the widow of late Major General Rabe Abubakar from captivity, days after the retired senior military officer died while being held by bandits.
The rescue operation was carried out in Tunga Village during a military offensive targeting criminal elements operating in parts of Katsina State.
Military sources said troops advancing on the kidnappers’ hideout engaged the armed bandits, who opened fire and reportedly shot Mrs Abubakar before fleeing the scene under pressure from the advancing soldiers.
Despite sustaining gunshot injuries, the victim was successfully extracted from the area and evacuated by troops for emergency medical attention.
“The kidnappers shot Mrs Abubakar before fleeing as troops advanced on their position,” a military source disclosed.
The soldiers immediately secured the location and administered first aid to stabilise her condition before moving her to a medical facility for further treatment.
Sources said she was bleeding from gunshot wounds when she was rescued but is currently receiving medical care.
The development comes only days after the burial of Major General Abubakar, whose death in captivity triggered widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of the North-West.
The late military officer was abducted by bandits alongside his wife before reports emerged that he died while being held by the kidnappers.
Following his death, the Defence Headquarters directed an intensified military response through the Joint Task Force North-West under Operation Fansan Yamma.
The operation, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, was launched to track down those responsible for the abduction, dismantle criminal networks operating in the area and restore security across affected communities.
Military authorities said the operation commenced on June 14, 2026, with troops conducting coordinated offensives in Matazu Local Government Area and adjoining settlements believed to harbour terrorist and bandit groups.
“The operation is aimed at locating and neutralising those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks and restoring security across the affected communities,” the military stated.
Security sources said the rescue of Mrs Abubakar is one of the first breakthroughs recorded under the latest operation, as troops continue combing forests and remote settlements in search of fleeing bandits and their collaborators.
The successful extraction of the retired general’s widow is expected to intensify ongoing military operations in the region as security forces seek to bring those behind the abduction and death of the senior military officer to justice.
