Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Amina Abubakar, wife of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, following a gunfight with suspected bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources told The Whistler that the rescue was achieved during Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, a military offensive launched in Matazu and surrounding communities after the abduction of the retired army officer and members of his family.
The sources disclosed that soldiers, acting on credible intelligence, tracked the kidnappers to Tunga village during a search-and-rescue mission and engaged them in a fierce exchange of fire.
Under intense military pressure, the bandits reportedly fled the area but allegedly shot Amina before escaping.
Despite her injuries, troops successfully recovered her from the scene, administered emergency medical assistance and evacuated her to a hospital for urgent treatment.
Military sources said she was stabilised by field personnel before being transferred for further medical care.
The sources added that security forces had intensified follow-up operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects and other criminal elements believed to be linked to the attack and the earlier abduction.
They also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining the ongoing Operation CLEAN SWEEP III until all identified bandit enclaves and criminal hideouts in the area are dismantled.
