Troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, wife of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, during a military operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Military sources said the rescue followed an intelligence-led search-and-rescue mission linked to ongoing operations in the area after the abduction of the retired officer and his wife on 30 May.
According to the sources, troops engaged armed bandits at Tunga village during the operation, forcing the suspects to flee as military pressure intensified.
The exchange occurred as soldiers combed parts of Matazu and surrounding communities under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, a coordinated clearance effort aimed at dismantling armed groups operating in the region.
A military source involved in the operation said Mrs. Abubakar sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter before the attackers fled.
“The bandits shot her and ran 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,” the source said.
Troops on the ground reportedly provided immediate medical attention before evacuating her to a health facility for further treatment.
Security officials said follow-up operations have been expanded across surrounding areas, with troops pursuing fleeing suspects believed to be linked to the earlier abduction and attack.
They added that the clearance mission under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III will continue across identified hideouts until armed groups in the region are dismantled.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to track those responsible and prevent further attacks in affected communities.
