Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, wife of the late retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, during an ongoing military offensive against bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The rescue operation comes days after the retired senior military officer was reportedly abducted and killed by armed bandits, sparking intensified security operations across the area.
Military sources disclosed that the successful rescue was achieved during Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, an intelligence-led offensive launched to track down the criminals responsible for the abduction and killing of the former general.
According to the sources, troops made contact with the armed bandits at Tunga village while conducting a search-and-rescue mission in the area.
Under heavy military pressure, the bandits reportedly fled the scene, abandoning their captive.
“The bandits shot her and fled when troops made contact with them at Tunga village. We have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, provided first aid, and evacuated her for urgent medical treatment,” a military source revealed.
The source added that soldiers immediately stabilized the victim at the scene before moving her to a medical facility for further treatment.
Military authorities said the rescue marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing operation but stressed that efforts to apprehend those responsible are far from over.
Security sources disclosed that troops have intensified follow-up operations across Matazu and adjoining communities, maintaining pressure on fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins linked to the attack.
The military said clearance operations are continuing across identified criminal enclaves and hideouts as part of efforts to dismantle bandit networks operating within the area.
Officials further assured residents that Operation CLEAN SWEEP III would be sustained until all criminal camps are destroyed and those behind the attack are brought to justice.
The latest development has raised hopes among residents that the ongoing offensive will weaken bandit activities in the region and improve security in communities affected by persistent attacks.
Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to restoring peace and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within Katsina State and the wider North-West region.
