One of the sons of the late Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar (retd), Isyaka Rabe, has said his father had no history of diabetes or high blood pressure, contrary to claims attributed to the Katsina State Government.
In an interview with Deutsche Welle on Sunday, Isyaka said reports suggesting that his father died of diabetes were inaccurate.
He also said some people believed the late general may have died from a snake bite, based on a video reportedly released by kidnappers.
However, he said only God knows the actual cause of his father’s death.
Also, the state government seems to be at odds with the military, possibly working at cross purposes.
Metrobusinessnews.com gathered that while the state government seems to be courting the bandits and allegedly withdrawing cases against them and granting them pardon, the military claims they are recording successes in killing many of them
Indeed, the Defense Headquarters’ Joint Task Force North West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, has launched a major offensive operation, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, targeting terrorists and bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities in Katsina State.
The development followed the incident that led to the death of retired Major General Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists and bandits in the area.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of JTF North West Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operation commenced on 14 June 2026 to locate and neutralise those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring security across the affected communities.
The late senior military officer was laid to rest on Sunday at about 6:00 p.m. at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery, located opposite his residence in Katsina metropolis, following funeral prayers attended by a large crowd of mourners.
Since its launch, troops said they have carried out aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations, and clearance missions across identified terrorist hideouts and suspected criminal enclaves within the Joint Operations Area.
Late Retired General Musa Abubakar was laid to rest on Sunday at about 6 p.m. at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery.
The statement noted that troops achieved significant successes during operations around the Dikkawa Hills and nearby communities.
“Clearance missions conducted in Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa led to the discovery and destruction of several terrorist hideouts, logistics bases, and other life-support structures used by the criminal groups, further weakening their operational capabilities.”
The military said the offensive is being conducted in collaboration with sister services, other security agencies, and local stakeholders, whose support has contributed to ongoing efforts to improve security in the state.
The Theatre Command reassured residents of Matazu and surrounding communities of its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of movement within the region.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in tracking and apprehending criminal elements, assuring that all information received would be treated confidentially.
The command added that troops would sustain pressure on terrorists and bandits until the objectives of Operation Clean Sweep III are fully achieved, with further updates to be provided as the operation progresses.
