In a swift and decisive retaliation following the tragic death of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in bandit captivity, Nigerian troops have launched a major offensive across volatile areas of Katsina State, recording significant gains against terrorist and bandit networks.
The operation, which intensified in the last 48 hours, focused heavily on the strategic Dikkawa Hills and surrounding communities — long suspected as a major stronghold and logistics hub for criminal elements operating in the Northwest.
According to TVC news, troops conducted aggressive clearance operations in Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa areas, where they systematically searched and combed several suspected terrorist and bandit camps. The soldiers met with varying degrees of resistance but successfully overran multiple hideouts.
Key Gains
In the course of the operation, troops discovered and destroyed several terrorist logistics facilities, including:
– Large caches of food supplies, fuel, and medical items used to sustain prolonged operations in the forests.
– Makeshift workshops for fabricating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and repairing weapons.
– Communication equipment and several motorcycles used for hit-and-run attacks.
Several criminal camps were completely dismantled, with structures torched to deny the bandits future use of the locations. Although specific figures on neutralised terrorists have not yet been released, the military described the operation as “highly successful” in disrupting the criminals’ supply lines and command structure in the Dikkawa axis.
The renewed offensive comes days after the death of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted on May 30, 2026, and died in captivity. His killing sparked outrage within the military community and prompted a vow from the Defence Headquarters to intensify operations in the Northwest.
Military authorities say the current push is part of a broader strategy to avenge the fallen general and restore confidence in the region by clearing out entrenched criminal elements.
Operations are still ongoing, with troops maintaining aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven raids in neighbouring communities. Residents have been urged to provide credible information while staying away from forests and suspected hideouts.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated that no effort will be spared to rid Katsina and the Northwest of banditry and terrorism, describing the current operations as “a clear message to criminals that the Nigerian military will not rest until every inch of territory is reclaimed.”
This latest offensive signals a renewed determination by the military following the death of one of its own — a painful reminder that the war against insecurity in the Northwest remains far from over.
Source: TVC, Military operational updates and field reports.
