Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Amina Abubakar, the wife of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, following a fierce encounter with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III after intelligence-led offensives were launched across Matazu and neighbouring communities in response to the abduction of the retired general and his family.
According to the sources, troops traced the bandits to Tunga village during a search-and-rescue mission, where they engaged the criminals in a gun battle, forcing them to flee under sustained military pressure.
During the confrontation, the bandits reportedly shot Amina Abubakar before escaping.
Despite her injuries, troops successfully rescued her, administered immediate first aid, and evacuated her to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
Military sources confirmed that she was stabilised at the scene before being moved for further medical attention.
They added that follow-up operations have been intensified, with troops currently pursuing the fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins believed to be responsible for the attack and earlier abduction.
The military further assured that the ongoing clearance operations under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III would continue until all criminal hideouts in the area are dismantled.
Security authorities reiterated their commitment to tracking down those behind the attack and ensuring they are brought to justice.