RismadarVoice Reporters
June 15, 2026
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Mrs Abubakar, wife of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, following a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Military sources disclosed that the rescue was carried out as part of Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, an intelligence-driven offensive launched in Matazu and surrounding communities after the abduction involving the retired senior military officer’s family.
According to the sources, troops engaged the bandits at Tunga Village during a search-and-rescue mission, forcing the criminals to abandon their captive and flee under intense military pressure.
A military source revealed that the bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before escaping when troops closed in on their location.
“The bandits shot her and fled when we made contact at Tunga Village. We have rescued Mrs Abubakar. She is bleeding, but troops administered first aid and are moving her for urgent medical attention,” the source said.
The rescued victim was reportedly stabilised by military personnel at the scene before being evacuated to a medical facility for further treatment.
Military authorities said troops have since intensified follow-up operations across the area, maintaining pressure on fleeing bandits and suspected gang leaders believed to be behind the attack and abduction.
Security sources noted that the ongoing clearance operation under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III is aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves and denying bandits freedom of movement within the region.
They reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations until all identified criminal hideouts are destroyed and those responsible for acts of banditry are apprehended and brought to justice.
The rescue operation is the latest success in ongoing efforts by security forces to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across Nigeria’s North-West region.
