…Military operations expand across North-West as troops recover abducted victim, destroy criminal bases and seize weapons

Nigerian security forces have rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, the widow of late Major General Rabe Abubakar, during a major counter-insurgency operation in Katsina State as the military intensifies efforts to dismantle bandit and terrorist networks across the North-West region.

The Defence Headquarters said the rescue followed sustained search-and-rescue operations by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, supported by the Nigerian Air Force.

Mrs Abubakar was abducted alongside her husband several weeks ago by suspected bandits. The retired general later died while in captivity.

According to the military, troops made contact with the kidnappers at Tunga Village during offensive operations targeting criminal groups operating in the area.

The Director Defence Information, Maj Gen Samaila Uba, said the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her as they fled under pressure from advancing troops.

“During sustained offensive operations and pressure mounted on the criminal elements, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village, leading to the successful recovery of Mrs Abubakar,” the military said.

The rescued victim was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility, where she is receiving treatment and responding to care.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria said it would continue to provide medical and humanitarian support to ensure her recovery while pursuing those responsible for the abduction.

The rescue operation came as the Joint Task Force North West launched a major offensive, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation began on June 14, 2026, following the killing of Maj Gen Abubakar, who was kidnapped alongside his wife.

Operation Fansan Yamma said troops have conducted intelligence-led raids, fighting patrols, cordon-and-search missions and clearance operations across terrorist and bandit enclaves.

The military reported major successes in areas including Dikkawa Hills and surrounding communities, where several criminal hideouts and logistics facilities were identified and destroyed.

Troops also cleared communities including Adua, Nasarawa and Karaduwa, targeting support structures used by criminal groups.

The military said the operations were being conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and local communities to restore stability and protect residents.

In a separate operation in Kebbi State, troops under Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma overpowered suspected Lakurawa terrorists and recovered weapons, explosives and logistics equipment.

The operation took place on Sunday in Dogon Daji, Dandi Local Government Area, as part of wider efforts to eliminate armed groups operating across the North-West.

The Nigerian Army said troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce confrontation, forcing them to abandon their camp and retreat.

Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, said troops deployed superior firepower and launched an aggressive pursuit operation after the terrorists fled.

Recovered items included rocket-propelled grenade launch tubes, RPG warheads, improvised explosive devices, motorcycles and other operational equipment.

The military confirmed that no troop casualties were recorded during the engagement.

The latest operations highlight the ongoing security campaign against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West, a region that has faced years of attacks targeting civilians, security personnel and critical infrastructure.

Security analysts say sustained intelligence operations, improved coordination among agencies and community support remain critical to preventing armed groups from regrouping.

The military has pledged to maintain pressure on criminal networks until they are significantly degraded across affected states.