By Maryam Shuaibu
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, the wife of late retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, following a gun battle with suspected bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The development was disclosed on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
The rescue comes days after the retired military officer reportedly died while in captivity after he and his wife were abducted by armed men while travelling to their hometown in Katsina State.
According to information released by the Presidency, the operation was carried out under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III following intelligence-led offensives launched across Matazu and neighbouring communities in search of the abductors.
Security sources said troops encountered the armed group at Tunga village during a search-and-rescue mission, leading to an exchange of gunfire that forced the bandits to retreat.
A military source disclosed that the kidnappers shot Mrs. Abubakar before fleeing the scene as troops advanced on their position.
“The bandits shot her and fled when we made contact with them at Tunga village. We have rescued Mrs. Abubakar. She is bleeding, and troops have provided first aid while arrangements were made to move her for urgent medical attention,” the source said.
The source added that soldiers stabilised the victim at the scene before evacuating her to a medical facility for further treatment.
Military authorities said follow-up operations have been intensified in the area, with troops maintaining pressure on fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins believed to be responsible for the abduction and related attacks.
According to security officials, the ongoing Operation CLEAN SWEEP III is aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and disrupting bandit networks operating within the region.
The authorities said troops would sustain the offensive until all identified camps and safe havens used by criminal elements are neutralised.
Security agencies also reaffirmed their commitment to tracking down those responsible for the abduction and ensuring they face justice.
The latest development comes amid intensified military operations against bandit groups operating across northwestern Nigeria, where security forces have stepped up efforts to combat kidnapping, armed attacks and other violent crimes.