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Nigerian Army troops under Operation Fasan Yanma have rescued Mrs Abubakar, wife of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, following an exchange of gunfire with bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Military sources confirmed that the rescue followed a coordinated search-and-rescue mission under Operation Clean Sweep III, launched after intelligence reports linked the incident to armed groups operating in Matazu and nearby communities.
The operation reportedly escalated when troops made contact with the suspects at Tunga village during a sweeping offensive in the area. The confrontation forced the armed group to retreat under sustained 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, who spoke in detail about the encounter, said.
Troops on the ground reportedly stabilised the victim immediately after the rescue, then evacuated her to a medical facility for further treatment.
Following the operation, military authorities said follow-up clearance efforts have been intensified across surrounding communities, with troops pursuing fleeing suspects and individuals believed to be linked to the attack and earlier abduction.
Officials added that Operation CLEAN SWEEP III will continue in the region until identified criminal hideouts are dismantled and disrupted.
Security sources also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to tracking down those responsible, stressing that ongoing operations are aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing further attacks on civilians and high-profile targets in the area.
The rescue follows the burial of Major General Abubakar, whose death in captivity had prompted public concern over rising insecurity in parts of the country.
In response, the Defence Headquarters Joint Task Force North West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, launched a major operation named “Operation Clean Sweep III” targeting bandits in Matazu Local Government Area and surrounding communities in Katsina State.
The military said the operation, which began on Sunday, aims to track down those responsible, destroy criminal networks, and restore peace in the affected areas.
