Troops overrun bandits’ camp in Kogi, rescue two victims – Official

Rabe Abubakar, a retired major general and former director of Defence Information, was kidnapped along with his wife, Amina Abubakar, on 30 May in Katsina State. The couple was traveling to attend a wedding when they were abducted on the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area. Their capture drew national attention, especially after videos surfaced showing them in captivity, with the kidnappers demanding the release of three detainees—Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru—as a condition for their freedom.

Abubakar's death in captivity on 2 July triggered widespread concern and renewed discussions about the rising threat of insecurity and kidnapping in northern Nigeria. His wife, however, remained in the hands of the kidnappers until a military operation led to her rescue. On 4 July, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that Amina Abubakar had been successfully rescued by troops conducting Operation FANSAN YAMMA, supported by the Nigerian Air Force. This operation was launched specifically in response to the abduction and subsequent death of her husband.

According to a statement released by Major General Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information, the rescue occurred after troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village during sustained offensive operations. During the encounter, the bandits shot Amina Abubakar before abandoning her and fleeing under the pressure exerted by the advancing military units. She was then evacuated to a military medical facility, where she received immediate treatment and responded positively to the care provided. The military emphasized its commitment to supporting the family during this challenging time and reiterated its determination to bring the perpetrators of the abduction and murder to justice.

The rescue of Amina Abubakar coincided with the continuation of Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, a broader military initiative aimed at dismantling criminal networks in the Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding regions. Under this operation, troops have conducted intelligence-led raids, clearance operations, and fighting patrols across identified criminal hideouts, including areas such as Karaduwa, Adua, Nasarawa, and the Dikkawa Hills. These actions are part of an effort to eliminate terrorist and bandit enclaves and ensure the safety of local communities.

The incident involving Rabe and Amina Abubakar has highlighted the vulnerability of even high-profile individuals to the growing menace of banditry in northern Nigeria. The couple's abduction and the subsequent death of Rabe Abubakar have underscored the need for enhanced security measures and more effective strategies to combat the escalating wave of violence and criminal activity in the region. Despite these challenges, the military remains focused on its mission to protect citizens and bring stability to the affected areas.

Meanwhile, in Kogi State, the Nigerian Army continued its counter-terrorism operations, resulting in the rescue of five kidnapped victims in a forested area. The operation, conducted by troops of the 12 Brigade under the 2 Division, took place on 17 June when troops from the Forward Operating Base, Oshokoshoko, executed a blocking operation along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route within the Adankolo Forest. The operation followed air interdiction missions by helicopter assets provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser, which targeted several bandit camps in the Agbede Forest, including the Danguntu camp in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. As a result of sustained military pressure, the bandits were forced to abandon some of their captives, allowing the victims to escape and seek help from nearby troops. The rescued victims included John Luna, Farouq Abdullahi, and Eunice Fedrick, among others, who were later treated at the 12 Brigade Medical Centre in Lokoja. They recounted how they had been abducted on 1 June while traveling on a night bus from Abuja to Lagos and held for 17 days, during which they were forced to herd cattle until the military airstrikes compelled the bandits to flee.

The Kogi State Government hailed the rescue as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against criminal groups. Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo praised the coordinated efforts of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, DSS, NSCDC, vigilantes, and hunters, as well as the support from President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other security chiefs. The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Austin Ojotule, confirmed that the victims had undergone medical assessments and would receive full coverage of their medical expenses until they fully recover and are reunited with their families. The operation also resulted in the neutralization of several notorious bandit leaders, including Battijo and his lieutenant Issa, as well as the killing of Maidawa in the Isanlu-Esa area. The military reiterated its commitment to continuing operations until all bandit camps are dismantled and the region is free from criminal influence.

In Borno State, the Nigerian military also achieved a significant victory by rescuing 47 individuals, predominantly women and children, from captivity in an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area. The rescue operation, conducted on 20 June, was facilitated by sustained ground and air assaults on terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad region. According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was made possible by the relentless offensive operations conducted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK). The unrelenting pressure on the terrorists forced them to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity. The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention and other forms of support at a secure location, with necessary humanitarian assistance being provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual reintegration into society. The military emphasized its commitment to protecting civilians and weakening terrorist networks operating in the North-East. It reaffirmed its resolve to continue offensive operations aimed at dismantling remaining ISWAP networks and restoring peace and normalcy to the region.