Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Amina Abubakar, the wife of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe, following a fierce encounter with armed bandits in Katsina State.
The rescue operation took place during a coordinated search-and-rescue mission in Matazu Local Government Area after the abduction of the retired military officer and members of his family.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, a sustained offensive launched in response to the kidnapping incident.
According to the sources, troops acting on credible intelligence carried out coordinated clearance operations across Matazu and nearby communities, targeting suspected bandit hideouts and escape routes.
The breakthrough reportedly occurred when soldiers made contact with the kidnappers at Tunga village, forcing the armed criminals to abandon their captive and flee under heavy military pressure.
“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 given first aid treatment at the scene by troops before being evacuated to a medical facility for further care.
The development comes days after reports that retired Major General Abubakar Rabe died while in captivity, sparking renewed concern and calls for intensified action against bandit groups operating in the North-West.
Military authorities said follow-up operations have been intensified across the area, with troops maintaining pressure on fleeing suspects believed to be connected to the abduction and killing.
Security sources added that Operation CLEAN SWEEP III will continue until all identified criminal hideouts in the region are dismantled.
They also reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to tracking down those responsible and ensuring they are brought to justice.
In recent weeks, the Nigerian military has stepped up coordinated air and ground offensives against bandit enclaves across Katsina and neighbouring states as part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping, cattle rustling and other violent crimes in the region.
