Insecurity
BREAKING: Troops Rescue Wife Of Retired General Rabe Abubakar After Shootout With Bandits In Katsina
The rescue came after intelligence-led military offensives were launched across Matazu and neighbouring communities in response to the abduction of the retired military officer’s family.
Katsina State — Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, the wife of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, following a fierce encounter with armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The rescue came after intelligence-led military offensives were launched across Matazu and neighbouring communities in response to the abduction of the retired military officer’s family.
Security expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the development on Monday, stating that troops made contact with the armed bandits at Tunga village during an ongoing search-and-rescue operation.
According to military sources, the bandits opened fire and shot Mrs. Abubakar before fleeing the scene under intense 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 told security operatives involved in the operation.
The source said troops immediately stabilised the victim at the scene before evacuating her to a medical facility for further treatment.
Military authorities confirmed that follow-up operations have been intensified, with troops maintaining pressure on fleeing bandits and suspected kingpins believed to be responsible for the attack and the earlier abduction.
According to security sources, the ongoing offensive is being conducted under Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, a military campaign aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and disrupting bandit networks operating in the North-West region.
The sources added that clearance operations would continue until all identified hideouts are destroyed and those responsible for the attack are apprehended.
“The military remains committed to tracking down all those involved and ensuring they are brought to justice,” a security source said.
Katsina State has remained one of the states worst affected by banditry and kidnapping activities, with security forces intensifying operations in recent months to curb attacks on communities and travellers across the region.
