By Paul Joseph
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Amina Abubakar, the wife of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, following a gun battle with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The rescue was carried out as part of the ongoing military offensive, codenamed Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, launched after the abduction and subsequent killing of the retired senior military officer.
According to security sources, troops acting on intelligence tracked the kidnappers to Tunga village during a search-and-rescue operation. The soldiers reportedly engaged the bandits in a fierce firefight, forcing them to abandon their position and flee under sustained military pressure.
During the encounter, the bandits allegedly shot Amina Abubakar before escaping. However, troops were able to secure her release, administer emergency medical assistance and evacuate her to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
Military sources said she was stabilised at the scene before being transferred for further medical care.
The sources added that troops have intensified follow-up operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks linked to the attack and earlier abduction.
The military maintained that Operation CLEAN SWEEP III remains active across Matazu and surrounding communities, with security forces targeting identified bandit hideouts and strongholds in the area.
Security authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to bringing those responsible for the attack and the killing of the retired general to justice, assuring residents that efforts to restore security in the affected communities would continue.
The rescue comes days after the burial of Major General Abubakar, whose death sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger action against banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region.
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