Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, wife of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, after a gun battle with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The rescue operation was carried out under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III following intelligence-driven offensives launched in Matazu and surrounding communities after the abduction of the retired senior military officer’s wife and members of his family.
Military sources said troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga village during a search-and-rescue mission, forcing the criminals to retreat after coming under heavy fire from the advancing forces.
“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,” a military source said.
The rescued victim was immediately stabilised by troops before being evacuated to a medical facility for further treatment.
Following the operation, security forces intensified their pursuit of the fleeing bandits and suspected criminal leaders linked to the attack and other abductions in the area.
Military authorities said clearance operations under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III would continue until criminal camps and hideouts across the area are dismantled.
Security sources assured residents that troops remain committed to tracking down those responsible for the attack and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The rescue comes amid renewed military operations against bandit groups operating across parts of Katsina and other North-West states, where security forces have increased efforts to disrupt criminal networks and restore safety in affected communities.
