Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, the wife of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, during a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Military sources disclosed that the rescue operation was carried out under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III following intelligence-driven offensives launched across Matazu and surrounding communities after the abduction involving the retired senior military officer and his family.
According to the sources, troops tracked the kidnappers to Tunga village, where they engaged the criminals in a shootout during a search-and-rescue mission. The intense military pressure reportedly forced the bandits to abandon their captive and flee the area.
A military source revealed that Mrs. Abubakar sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter but was successfully rescued by troops.
“The bandits shot her and fled when we made contact at Tunga village. We have rescued Mrs. Abubakar. She is bleeding, we have given her first aid and are moving her for urgent medical attention,” the source said.
Troops immediately administered first aid at the scene before evacuating her to a medical facility for further treatment and stabilization.
Military authorities confirmed that follow-up operations have been intensified across the area, with security forces pursuing the fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins linked to the attack and earlier abduction.
The military also reiterated its commitment to sustaining Operation CLEAN SWEEP III until all criminal hideouts in the region are dismantled and those responsible are apprehended.
Security sources assured residents that efforts are ongoing to restore peace and ensure that perpetrators of kidnapping and banditry are brought to justice.
