Troops Storm Dikkawa Hills, Destroy Terrorist Hideouts After Killing of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar

Troops Storm Dikkawa Hills, Destroy Terrorist Hideouts After Killing of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar

Nigerian troops have launched a major offensive against terrorist and bandit enclaves in Katsina State following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in captivity, recording significant operational successes in the process.

The intensified military operation, conducted over the past 48 hours, focused on the strategic Dikkawa Hills and surrounding communities, areas long believed to serve as key strongholds and logistics bases for criminal groups operating across the North-West.

According to reports, troops carried out aggressive clearance operations in Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa communities, systematically combing suspected terrorist hideouts and bandit camps. Despite encountering resistance in some locations, the troops successfully overran several criminal enclaves.

During the operation, soldiers uncovered and destroyed multiple logistics facilities used by the terrorists. Recovered items included large quantities of food supplies, fuel reserves, and medical materials believed to have sustained prolonged operations within the forests.

Troops also dismantled makeshift workshops reportedly used for fabricating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and repairing weapons. In addition, communication equipment and several motorcycles commonly used in hit-and-run attacks were destroyed.

Several terrorist camps were completely dismantled, with their structures set ablaze to prevent future use by the criminal groups. Although the military has yet to disclose the number of terrorists neutralised during the operation, officials described the offensive as "highly successful" in disrupting the terrorists' logistics network and command structure within the Dikkawa axis.

The renewed military push comes days after the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits on May 30, 2026, and later died in captivity. His killing sparked outrage within military circles and prompted renewed commitments by the Defence Headquarters to intensify operations against criminal elements in the North-West.

Military authorities said the ongoing offensive forms part of a broader strategy aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and restoring public confidence in communities affected by insecurity.

Operations remain ongoing, with troops sustaining aggressive patrols and intelligence-led raids across neighbouring communities. Residents have been urged to provide credible information to security agencies while avoiding forests and areas identified as terrorist hideouts.

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating banditry and terrorism in Katsina State and the wider North-West region, stressing that security forces would continue operations until criminal groups are decisively defeated.

The latest offensive underscores the military's renewed determination to tackle insecurity in the region following the loss of one of its senior retired officers, highlighting the persistent challenges posed by banditry and terrorism in the North-West.